Helen Linda Nichols

Helen Linda Nichols, 97, of Rochester, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at St. Marys Hospital. Helen was born November 16, 1917 in St. Charles to William and Laura (Hiltz) Zick. She was a 1935 graduate of St. Charles High School. On August 10, 1940, she married Melvin Frank Nichols in Giard, IA. Helen and Melvin lived in Rochester, Douglas, Stewartville and Zumbrota. Helen worked hard all her life and was the rock of her family. Our beloved mother is survived by her children, Carole Murray of Rochester, Nancy Nichols Hensley of Rochester, Shirley (Bob) Watts of Laughlin, NV., Mary Nichols of Zumbrota, Janice Petersen of Owatonna, Barbara Logan-Cassidy of Zumbrota, Debra (Randy) Krause of Zumbrota, Kevin Nichols of Cannon Falls and Lance Nichols of Rochester. Helen is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and 4 great, great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin; parents; 4 brothers and 3 sisters. A funeral service will be held 4:00PM Friday, June 19, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW., Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00PM Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday. The Rev. Carol Shaffer will be officiating. Interment will be held 10:00AM Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Grandview Memorial Gardens. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com