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Richard Nichols, age 87, of Brookings, passed away under hospice care on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the United Living Community.  Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Wednesday, March 27th at Eidsness Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 28th at First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the South Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Richard Nichols was born on July 4, 1936, in Glenn Flora, Wisconsin.  He was the youngest of two siblings born to George Byron and Esther Marie (Anderson) Nichols.  He spent a happy childhood in Wisconsin, and later at the family farms in Brookings County.  Dick married Shirley Bjorklund on July 18, 1959, and together they farmed west of Brookings for over 50 years until moving to Brookings in 2011.

Dick was a dedicated husband, father, hard-working farmer, and servant to his community.  After graduating from Brookings High School and service in the US Army, Richard returned to work with his father.   Shortly after his return, his father passed away.  At the age of 26, Dick was responsible for taking care of the entire farming operation, a young family, and his mother's estate.  Though times were difficult, Richard never wavered from his responsibilities.  Over the years, Dick was recognized for his integrity and commitment.  Richard was active with the Harvest Table at the First United Methodist Church, served as a township road supervisor, and was a board member for the United Retirement Center.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley.  Dick is survived by his sister, Phylliss Nielsen; son, Phillip Richard (Nancy) Nichols; daughter, Kathleen Marie (Eric) Karen; and his grandchildren: Zachary (Brooke) Nichols, Adam Nichols, Kyle Miller, Joseph Miller, and Carson Miller-Ross; and great-grandson, Henry Nichols.

Memorials are preferred to the Harvest Table in honor of Dick.