Oswald N. Nichols was born in Florence, Texas, on February 26, 1925. He moved with his parents, William and Millard Nichols, and one sister, Margaret, to Montana in 1930. He would continue to live the remainder of his life in Montana.
Ozzie began his young life on Sarpy Creek, Montana working on the farm with his parents. At the age of 19, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country as a gunner on the Cape Catoche. Upon his discharge, he returned home to the family farm on Sarpy Creek.
In 1947, he married the love of his life, Pauline Campbell. After residing in Hardin for three years, they returned to Sarpy to raise four daughters. He remained living in Treasure County until two months before his death.
Ozzie was an avid hunter, especially enjoying goose and turkey hunting. He was an excellent marksman and was a member of the Hysham Gun Club. He served on the Sarpy and Hysham school boards and was an active member of the Hysham Chapter of the American Legion Post #92.
In July, 2014, Polly and Ozzie moved to Billings because of his declining health, and on Thursday, August 21, 2014, Ozzie died peacefully in his sleep.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his only sibling, Margaret; a grandson, Cory Topness; granddaughter, Miranda Thomas, and great granddaughter (Kendall Cole Chase).
Survivors include his wife and four daughters, Ranae (Dave) Wanchena, Carolyn (Dick) Topness, Linda (Rich) Thomas, and Cynde (Arlin) Cole; one niece, Yvonne Donaldson; two nephews, Paul and Duane Wood; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Nothing made him happier then to be surrounded by his family – daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad, we never doubted for a minute how much you loved us and are so thankful that you never hesitated to say “I love you very much” each time we said goodbye.
Dad, in your own words – “We love you very much” and you will be missed so very much by so many!
Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #92, the Hysham Community Presbyterian Church, or charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Monday August 25, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Hysham Cemetery
Hysham, MT
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Community Center in Hysham
Hysham , MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Monday August 25, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Hysham Cemetery
Hysham, MT
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Tuesday August 26, 2014
Community Center in Hysham
Hysham , MT
Share
Gary and Tawny Nelson says
Pauline and Family, Gary and I were devastated when we heard the news about Ozzie. We will forever remember his smile and asking Gary if he liked his “man cave”! May God continue to comfort you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Gary & Tawny
Gail Kolb says
Dear Nichols Family, We were so sorry to hear about Ozzie’s death. What a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and will be with you throughout this difficult time. We look forward to celebrating Ozzie’s life next week and seeing all of you. Hugs, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kolb
Noelle Pinkerton says
Farewell
Tho the Tongue be Mute
And, the Pen be stilled-
This Page is turned
As He so wills-
We now give Our Love
Into Memories Care-
To be forever Close
As is God and Prayer-
JBO
Ozzie has given us so many memories!
Dick and Noelle PInkerton
Jay Connors says
Condolences to your family.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Ozzie’s Family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you. We were sorry to learn of Ozzie’s passing. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of and praying for you at this difficult time. May the many beautiful memories you have of him give you a sense of peace now and in the days ahead.
Rick and Karen Engle Mouat says
Polly and family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers in the passing of Ozzie. May God surround you with his comfort and give you peace.
Sheryl Ward Swanson says
To Polly and Family – Sadly, we are losing our best treasures, and Ozzie was one of them. Strength, peace, and love to you all.
Lucinda and Valerie Plaisted says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Cathy, Bill, Ashley and Glen Frye says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May all your wonderful family memories help you through the sad times.
Randy & Vicki Fix says
My heart is breaking for all you right now. Please know that our prayers are with you. May God grant you peace and comfort. Hold on to the beautiful memories you have. I will hold on to the hugs he gave me and that twinkle in his eye. Love you all, Vicki
Dennis and Vickie Krause says
Sorry to hear of Ozzie’s passing. Treasure County won’t be the same without him. Dennis and Vickie
Tom and Kathy Stieg says
Prayers for you all tomorrow for God’s comforting hand. We will be with you in thought. Love, Tom and Kathy
Amy Willems Kimberlin says
Polly and family, I just found out the news a few hours ago and my heart is heavy. Ozzie always had a smile for everyone! A smile from him always brightened my day no matter how dark it was. I’m comforted by the thought that he’s no longer in pain and that he’s smiling down on all of us. I’m saddened by the thought that I will never see that smile here on earth ever again. I will miss the stories and laughs that he was so good at sharing! May God comfort all of you and give you peace! RIP Ozzie!!
Lorrie & Jody Greseth says
You are all in our thought s and prayers during this diffucult time ! May you find warmth and sunshine in the memories that you have shared with such a wonderful father! Carolyn shared many nice memories of her father with us.
Lorrie & Jody Greseth
Port Orchard Wa.
Suzanne Coleman & Perry Frantzman says
Thoughts and prayers are wrapped around the entire family! I have heard so many wonderful things about your family from Carolyn and Linda. Love the stories that are filled with such loving memories of a family that is united in caring for each other. May you all feel the peace that comes when those memories transition into the comfort that you need. God Bless you ALL!
Suzanne Coleman and Perry Frantzman
Key West, FL
Wendy says
Spent a lot of time on the farm with my Uncle Ozzie, Aunt Polly and cousins. No better place to be in the summer for me. Uncle Ozzie was the best most kindest Uncle/ man anyone could ever know or want to be around. I have so many wonderful memories I have carried with me my whole life from being there and around him. I will never forget him.
My prayers go out to my Uncle’s family
May you all find the comfort you need in remembering the good times, wonderful stories, his smile, his funny bone and the love he had for you all.
May you rest in peace my dear sweet Uncle
Dennis and Jeanne says
We loved Ozzie, Dennis said some of the fondest memories of his whole like was spending time with his Uncle Ozzie and his family on his ranch in Hysham, Montana. What a kind, wonderful, caring man he was. He will be missed by so many.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family at this most sad time.
Hold on to all of your great memories and find comfort in knowing how much he was loved.