Doris Lorene (Sawatzky) Nikkel, 92, died Monday, April 14, 2025. She was born January 3, 1933, to Abraham A. Sawatzky and Agnes Nettie Nachtigal, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
The youngest of 10 children, Lorene grew up on the family farm four miles south and three-quarter miles west of Weatherford, Oklahoma. She attended the Missouri School #55, located four miles south and three-quarter miles east of Weatherford. After eight years of schooling, she then attended Weatherford High School, graduating with the class of 1951. Following graduation, Lorene was employed by the TG&Y five and dime store until her marriage.
On March 1, 1952, Lorene married Morton Kenneth Nikkel, at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Wichita Falls, Texas. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. James H. Landes, pastor of the church. After marriage, Lorene and her husband moved to Denver, Colorado, for three years while her husband was serving in the United States Air Force. Two daughters were born into their family, Corliss Marlene and Cheryl Lynn. Lorene's husband was then transferred to the Alconbury Airbase in England, where Lorene and the two daughters soon joined him. They were eventually transferred to Great Falls, Montana. Lorene worked as a receptionist at a chiropractic office until her husband received his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force. In 1959, the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Lorene's husband attended chiropractic college, graduating in 1964. The family soon made their way in 1965 to Clay Center, Kansas, where they set up their office and Lorene worked beside her husband and as his receptionist and assistant until their retirement in 1991.
After retirement, Lorene and Morton traveled to all 50 states as well as many countries around the world. Throughout their marriage, Lorene served as the pianist and organist at various churches that she and her husband attended, and continued to play both instruments after retirement.
Lorene is preceded in death by her husband, Morton Kenneth Nikkel on September 26, 2023; her parents; and her nine siblings.
Survivors include her daughters, Corliss Klinkner (Mel) of Salina and Cheryl Edwards (Glenn) of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Daniel Klinkner (Kali), Melissa Pogue (Jeff), Sarah Bardon (Richard); and one great grandchild, Jude Bardon.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16 KJV
Private burial will be at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
To send an online condolence, visit www.carlsonfh.net or on Facebook.