Donley Nichols

Donley "Don" Nichols, age 73 of Phillips, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Don was born on September 13, 1952, to Edith Dahlke in Illinois. He graduated from Rosendale High School in 1971 and joined the United States Army upon graduation, proudly serving his country for a time in Germany. Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dawn Kleinhans, on June 11, 1982, in Fond du Lac. He attended school to become a welder and went on to work as a welder at John Deere in Horicon for 30 years, retiring in 2008. He then continued his passion for welding at MEC, where he worked for another 12 years before officially retiring.

While Don loved welding, he also enjoyed relaxing in his chair and watching TV, deer hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was very laid back and was always happy doing anything Dawn wanted to do.

Don is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dawn; his children, Dan (Andrea) Pater, Joshuah (Mandy) Nichols, Matt (Angela) Nichols, Chris Nichols, Andy (Sommer) Nichols, Holly (Randy) McDaniel, and Elijah Mish, who was like a son to him; 11 grandchildren, RaeAnna, Alisa, Barrett, Skyler, Gwenevere, Kailyn, Noah, Addalyn, Garrison, Lillian, and Hudson; his brother, Kenneth (Faye) Dahlke; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Debra (Dan) Mish, Tammy Gorr, Todd Kleinhans, and Shelley Kleinhans; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Dahlke; his brother-in-law, Kevin Kleinhans, and other relatives.

A memorial service for Don will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Alto Reformed Church with Pastor Randy McDaniel officiating.