Daniel A. Nickels

Daniel A. Nickels of Traverse City died December 24, 2022. He was born January 2, 1946. He passed peacefully at his home after an extended illness, which he bore with much fortitude and courage. He grew up in Traverse City, graduating from Traverse City High School in 1964 then going on to attend Michigan State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. He also served as a Captain during the VietNam conflict, in Army Intelligence. He was twice married and divorced. He was very creative. He had a talent for poetry, prose and humor, often with an old-fashioned style to it. However, Dan's true calling was blacksmithing, especially ornamental work. He had the capacity to visualize a gate, a railing, a tool, a sculpture or a flower and to hammer it out of a square rod of iron. He talked, breathed and taught his trade to everyone he met. He never stopped learning or teaching. He was referred to as the "professor" and his many students mourn the loss of his knowledge and desire to share the craft. He was regarded as a master, worldwide, for his gift. Blacksmiths mark their work with a "tic mark" and he left his tic mark all around the world including England, Italy, France and Belgium. He was one of 500 blacksmiths selected from blacksmiths worldwide to forge a commemorative panel to honor those who died at Ypres, Belgium during WWI. His work can be seen all around Traverse City in doorways, homes and signage. Look for the "N" tic mark. Dan's heart was as soft as his art was hard. He gathered many friends wherever he went and gave generously to all he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Mervyn M. Nickels and two young sisters. He leaves an identical twin brother and two sisters; a daughter; a son and two granddaughters. A Celebration of Life will be held May 18th, 2023. A graveside service will be at 11:00 am at the Oakwood Cemetery with a luncheon and memories after. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds can be donated to "The Dan Nickels Memorial Acct." at 5/3 Bank, US 31 South Traverse City; to fund a blacksmith scholarship at the John C. Campbell Folk School, where Dan got his start blacksmithing.

Daniel A. Nickels

January 2, 1946 - December 24, 2022