Janet Evon Nickel, 73, of Grantsburg passed away January 12, 2022 at St. Croix Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Jan was born May 29, 1948 to Clifford and Gladys Richards in Grantsburg. She grew up in the Falun area and graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1966.

Soon after graduation she packed up with her best friend and moved to the Twin Cities to start the next phase of her life. It was there she met her future husband, Lee Nickel, and they began their life together raising their daughter, Stacy. Unfortunately, Lee’s life was cut short due to an accident, and Jan suddenly became a single mom to her young daughter. In 1976 Jan and Stacy moved back home to Grantsburg.

Jan began her career at the Post Office and left her mark as the first ever female mail carrier in Grantsburg. She took the old saying “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail…” to heart, rarely missing a day of work over her 30-year career.

Jan loved anything sports related and was a heck of an athlete herself. She loved to play basketball in high school and played softball for years. She was also an avid bowler and was involved in several leagues over the years. The annual trips to the State bowling tournament were always a highlight of the year. Her love of sports continued as she became a spectator, never missing any of Stacy’s games over the years, and that continued as she cheered on her grandsons, Seth and Sawyer, at all of their events as well. She was a stout Grantsburg Pirate fan and enjoyed rooting them on from the bleachers in all sports over the years. In fact, Jan did not miss a Pirate football game for 30+ years. The Friday night lights were her favorite. She was also a die-hard Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packers fan and watched them both religiously.

Jan loved to spend time with her family and loved to travel as well. When she could combine those two, the world was perfect. She enjoyed many trips all around the country over the years – always by car because that is how you see the most interesting things. She also loved to just rent a cabin on the lake and relax. However, and wherever it was, family time was always the most important time and she loved to spend every minute she could together, especially with her grandsons.

Jan spent 27 years with her best friend, Chet Johnson, before his passing in 2010. During their years together, they spent their time dancing, snowmobiling, traveling and “Roughing it Smoothly” at their camper in Hayward.

They were also very active members of the Grantsburg Lions Club.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lee; brothers Clifton and John; and special companion Chet Johnson.

She is survived by her daughter Stacy (Goob) Coy; grandsons Seth (Hailey) and Sawyer Coy; great grandchildren Praxton, Kohen and Genevieve Coy; along several cousins and extended family and friends.

A visitation/gathering will take place on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg, Wisconsin.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg.

Last Update: Jan 18, 2022 6:04 am CST