Doris Nickels

Doris Nickels, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and lifelong servant to others, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 86, at home in Longmont, Colorado.

Born on October 16, 1938, in Grant, Michigan, Doris was the daughter of John and Nellie Dragt. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and earned her degree from Calvin College. Doris began her professional life as a grade schoolteacher in Colorado and Chicago. Later she worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Chicago where she met her future husband.

In 1968, she married Allan Nickels, beginning a partnership that lasted 57 years until her passing. Doris, Allan, and their children—Kurt, Kara, and Jill—lived in Lansing, Michigan, and Seattle, Washington, before settling in Evergreen, Colorado, in 1977. In 2008, Allan and Doris moved to Longmont.

Doris had an entrepreneurial spirit and worked many jobs while raising her family. She had a natural gift for helping and supporting others. Wherever Doris lived she was active in her church and community contributing in many capacities. One of her many lasting contributions was to start and maintain the library at Church of the Hills in Evergreen, CO. 

Over the years, Doris and Allan opened the doors of their home, offering kindness and hospitality to many.

She is survived by her husband, Allan; her children, Kurt (Satomi), Kara (Will), and Jill (Shawn); her grandchildren, Kate, Bert, and Hannah; and her brother, Donald Dragt (Roxanne) and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nellie Dragt; her brother, Richard Dragt; and her sister, Mary Veurink.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Longmont Meals on Wheels https://www.longmontmeals.org/give or Our Center https://www.ourcenter.org/donate/ in Doris's Name.