Edward Nicholls, 78, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Wesley Langaas officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.

Visitation will be 4 " 7 PM, Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls with a 6 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service, Sunday.

Edward Gene Nicholls was born June 25, 1930 at Warren, MN, the son of Abner and Elsie (Heller) Nicholls. He was baptized at the Methodist Church, Warren and confirmed at Silver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls. He attended country school in rural Warren until the 8th grade and when he completed that grade, he chose to stay home helping his dad on their farm. Edward served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea and Japan at a time of peace in the 1950s.

On October 25, 1963, Edward was united in marriage to Betty Jane Korngiebel at Forman, ND. He was a farmer most of his life until 1999. Farming was his favorite job. He worked at the Huck when it was known as the new arena . He also worked at the Sunflower plant, also custodial at Arctic Cat and helped his wife Betty take care of his granddaughter Megan for 14 years.

Edward was a member of Abundant Life Lutheran Church and the church council. He liked restoring old tractors, playing cards, collecting and fixing up old lanterns, making toy farm machinery out of wood, taking vacations, playing trains with grandson Josh, visiting with family and friends and helping others with anything they needed. He could play most any musical instrument. Addition to hobbies and interests, he loved nature and enjoyed watching historical programs. Edward had a love affair with airplanes and flying. He had a great sense of humor and loved birthday parties for grandchildren.

He is survived by wife, Betty Jane, Thief River Falls, MN; daughter, Audrey Halvorson, Thief River Falls, MN; former son-in-law; Jeff Halvorson (Eds good friend), Thief River Falls, MN; grandson, Joshua Halvorson, Thief River Falls, MN; aunts, Edythe Nicholls, IL, Ruth Ascott, Aurora, IL, Geraldine Heller, New Hampshire and Ruth Heller, CA; several nieces, nephews and cousins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harriet Rogers, Mohave Valley, AZ, Shirley Korngiebel, Pasadena, CA, Bob Korngiebel, Kenai, AK, Carl Lange, Coon Rapids, MN, Ken and Mary Larson, Pine Island, MN..

Edward is preceded in death by infant grandson, Matthew Edward Halvorson, granddaughter, Megan Halvorson, parents, Abner and Elsie Nicholls, infant sister, Judy; paternal grandparents, John and Ingeborg Nicholls and maternal grandparents, George and Mae Heller along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Eunice Groethe
SELECTIONS: Daddys Hands, Amazing Grace and Old Rugged Cross
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Because He Lives, How Great Thou Art
CASKETBEARERS: Sigvert Silnes, Phil Torgerson, Dave Romo, Jim Larson, Neil Peterson and Jim Nicholls
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Sigvert Silnes, Phil Torgerson, Dave Romo, Mike Curran, Jim Larson, Don Jorde, Neil Peterson,Jim Nicholls

MILITARY HONORS: Thief River Falls VFW and American Legion Posts