Nicholas William Wackel

Nicholas William Wackel, 92, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

He was born to the late Fred and Erma Wackel, March 29,1922, in West Point, Nebraska. Nick graduated from Guardian Angel High School in West Point, Neb., then attended and graduated from Kemper Military Junior College in 1942. He attended Creighton University until May 1943, at which time he entered the U.S. Army. Mr. Wackel served in the continental U.S. and overseas in the Southwest Pacific, being discharged in February of 1946.

In March, 1946, Nick became an employee of the Livestock National Bank in South Omaha, leaving in 1948 to accept the position of assistant cashier of the First National Bank in West Point, Neb. In 1954, Nick accepted the cashiership of the Platte Valley Bank in North Bend until February 1964, when he became Executive Vice President of the First State Bank in Kimball.

In June of 1973, Nick was elected President of the Kimball County Bank and eventually purchased the bank and insurance agency in July of 1982. The Bushnell Bancorp was formed at this point in time and was controlled by the Nick Wackel Family. In March of 1996, he successfully celebrated 50 years of banking in the state of Nebraska.

Nick was united in marriage to Frances (Hanzel) in September of 1947, in David City, Neb.

He is survived by his five children - daughters, Sandy (Lou) Mataya of Carmel, Ind., Connie (Jim) Volkmer of Leesburg, Va., and Patti (Byron) Wheeler of Grand Island, and sons Tim (Debbie) Wackel of Dallas, Texas, and Tom (Ann) Wackel of Lincoln; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, two sister-in-Iaws, Margaret Janecek and Audrey Schulze both of Dodge, Neb., and brother-in-law, Dick (Judy) Hanzel of Indianapolis, Ind.

Mr. Wackel served on various and numerous committees. Nebraska Independent Bankers board of directors, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans and American Legion, Officer and Director of the Western Nebraska Chapter of the Bank Administration Institute, Officer and Director of the Chambers of Commerce in North Bend and Kimball, plus active involvement with the Salvation Army and Red Cross. Nick was an extremely proud member of the Knights of Columbus: 50 years in the 3rd degree and 20 plus years in the 4th degree.

Since his retirement to the Grand Lodge in 2007, Nick was an active wood worker, pool player and loyal supporter of his alma maters: Creighton and West Point Guardian Angels.

Visitation with the family was held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, at Butherus Maser and Love Funeral Home, located at 4040 A St. in Lincoln, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Lincoln with Father Frank Curran officiating.  Graveside service was at 3 p.m. at  Mount Hope Cemetery in West Point, Neb. 

Memorials are suggested to Nick's favorite charities in care of the family.

Condolences may be left at http://www.bmlfh.com.