CURTIS - Milo "Joe" Nickerson, 56 of Curtis, died Sept. 4, 2004, south of Curtis.

He was born Sept. 20, 1947, at Eustis to Donald and Reba Gugelman Nickerson. He graduated from Farnam High School in 1965 and attended Mid Plains Community College for two years. In 1966, he began working at Bystroms NAPA Store in North Platte.

On June 2, 1968, he was married to Gwen A. Jorgensen in Curtis. They moved to a farm south of Curtis in 1971. In 1978, he bought the NAPA auto parts store in Curtis and moved it to the present location 11 years ago.

Mr. Nickerson was always active in youth organizations in the community including being a sponsor for 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen of Curtis; a son, Timothy (Misty Barr and her son Garrett) Nickerson of North Platte; two daughters, Amy (Brandon) Jahnke of Wichita, Kan., and Mary Nickerson of Curtis; three brothers, Eldon (Eleanor) Nickerson of Longmont, Colo., Leonard (JoAnne) Nickerson of Lincoln, and Rod (Lori) Nickerson of Curtis; and two sisters, Madeline (Harvey) Rupe of Hastings and Donna (Larry) Swanson of McCook.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brothers.

A memorial has been established for the construction of a Story Book Playhouse in the city park.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Medicine Valley High School Gymnasium in Curtis with the Rev. Allen Hodges officiating. Burial is in the Curtis Cemetery in Curtis.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Blase Wetzel Funeral Home.

North Platte Telegraph, 07 Sep 2004