Posted by Ladow Publishing on 11/27/2005, 11:50 am
Board Administrator

Raymond Nichels Raymond "Ray" Nichels, age 83, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2005. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanor (nee Govert); two children: Terry (Kathy) Nichels of Highland and Vickie (Bill) Masters of GA; 10 beloved grandchildren and 12 beloved great-grandchildren; brother, Albert (Maxine) Nichels of Griffith; brother-in-law, Vince Sell of Merrillville and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brother, Roy Nichels and sister, Grace Sell. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 8303 Taft St., Merrillville with Rev. Joseph Vamos, officiating. At rest Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home, 7607 W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville. (US Route 30 east of Cline Avenue) and also at Our Lady of Consolation Church on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service. Wake prayer service Monday evening at 5:00 p.m. Ray was the founder and owner of Nichels Engineering and Nichels Automotive Products. He was the former co-owner of G. & N. Aircraft. He was also involved in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Auto Racing since 1949 as car owner and builder, as well as USAC and NASCAR Stockcar divisions. He was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church, a veteran of WWII U.S. Coast Guard, American Legion Griffith Post #66. Ray also belonged to many other racing groups and associations. Memorials may be given to the St. Jude House of Crown Point or Our Lady of Consolation Church.