Nathan Lawrence Nicol

Nathan Lawrence Nicol of Saginaw, Michigan

Passed away peacefully at home napping in his chair. His family knows he heard his LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, call his name, telling him to come home!

Born June 9, 1942, in Saginaw, Michigan, Nathan was the eldest son of the late Lawrence F. and Martha E. (Arvo) Nicol. When Nathan was 2 years old, he was misdiagnosed with Measles, when he actually had Spinal Meningitis. His parents were told he likely would not survive, and IF he did, he would be deaf, blind, and mentally retarded. Well, he proved them all wrong; through the encouragement of his parents, especially his mother, he grew into a very self-sufficient and successful man. Though deaf, he was highly intelligent, gifted, and never needed more than reading glasses during his 82 years.

He attended Saginaw schools with hearing students, learning to read lips and use written English. Handly grade school, then Arthur Hill Technical School gaining an Electronic III level when he graduated in 1960. He attended Michigan Rehab Institute Technical State Trade School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he earned his Certificate & Diploma in 1963.

Nathan was highly skilled with tools and taught himself many life skills. He built and created many things for use in the home or his workshop and helped the family by driving farming equipment, raising and selling rabbits. He grew raspberry bushes… even hired his younger brothers, Danny and Dino to pick them (even though they would go on strike for higher wages!) However, his love was Electronics and went into the T.V. repair business. First working for others, then opening his own business, Nicol TV Service and Repair for 34 years, retiring in 2007.

Nathan was a loving and faithful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend who loved life. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and making homemade bread.

Nathan married Nancy Pfannes at Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn, Michigan, on July 22, 1967. He stated Nancy was “a beloved gift of a wife” and believed they were “granted an overflowing blessing in marriage for 55 years”. She preceded him going to be with the Saviour on February 16, 2023. They had one daughter, Mary (Robert) Knight, who survives him. Nathan’s brothers, Dennis Nicol and Daniel (Jeannie) Nicol also preceded him death. He is survived by his nieces, nephews, and their children.

Though Nathan considered himself a Christian his whole life, it was only in the last few years that Nathan grew to really understand the Holy Scriptures as he studied the Bible more and more. He thoroughly loved the King James Bible and considered it to be God’s Word. God began to reveal His Truth that was in those Holy Words. As Nathan focused more on God and less on the world, he learned that Salvation was not based on anything he DID, but solely on WHAT Christ DID for him. He found the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and understood the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus, whose blood cleansed him of all sin! Nathan understood that he needed to believe only on what Jesus had already done, so he could receive that Atonement. Praise God! Nathan, Mary, and Robert constantly talked about their faith with one another when they were together and especially after Nancy passed. They found peace and comfort in the Pure Words of God. They were blessed to have the time to spend with each other and they would thank the LORD for His Word and His Truth.

We celebrate his passing because we know that he is with his beloved wife, Nancy in the place that Jesus created for them. They are HEARING with perfect clarity, all the wonders around them while they rejoice in the presence of their Glorious Redeemer!

Jesus Christ: the way the truth and the life! AMEN

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Street, Saginaw, MI 48602. Pastor Erik Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the W. L. Case and Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603 on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider No Great Joy Ministries at https://nogreaterjoy.org or to Deaf Missions at https://deafmissions.com/jesus. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.