in memoriam

expanded eulogies

Willie Nice

Wilfred Wayne “Willie” Nice, 83, of Marion, Kansas, was born at the family farm home in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, on June 6, 1936, to parents Willard E. and Dorothy Smith Nice. He passed away on December 3, 2019, at St. Luke Hospital, Marion.

His childhood and teen years were spent on the family farm near Omega, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school in 1954. He was active in the Vo-Ag program, FFA, and 4-H. He raised cattle, prize-winning chickens, and sheep to show at the local fair.

After high school he was a hay hauler, and later moved to Peoria, Illinois, to work for Caterpillar for the next 30 years. He also had a job as a filling station attendant at one time. He met his future wife, Wilma A. Begner, and they were married on June 29, 1958. They made their home in Peoria, where they welcomed children Jane and Dennis.

In 1991, Wilfred retired and moved to Marion, Kansas, where he and Wilma bought farm ground so he could return to his roots of farming. He found joy in farming and cattle-raising with son Dennis and grandson Jordan.

Wilfred is survived by wife Wilma; son Dennis Nice of Marion; grandchildren Cori Lyn Nice of Wichita and Jordan Nice of Newton; sister Norma Kline (Jerry) of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; sister Carol Helmer; and daughter Jane Craig.

Visitation with family was Dec. 6 at Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral home in Marion. Wilfred’s funeral was Dec. 7, at Eastmoor United Methodist Church, Marion.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Luke Hospital Foundation in care of the funeral home.

Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Wilfred at www.ymzfh.com.