Louise Arlene Penrod

Louise Arlene Penrod, age 94 of North Mankato, died Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Louise was born to Ethan and Lura (Hawkins) Penrod on October 29, 1923 in Benton, Illinois. In 1983, she married Gilbert Nickels and became a farmer’s wife on the Benton homestead near Kaneville, IL.

Louise was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Elburn, IL and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. in Mankato. She referred to herself as an original Rosie the Riveter due to her war-time work in a defense department factory. Louise was also a member of the Town and Country Library of Elburn and the reading group.

Louise was preceded in death by her biological father, Ethan Penrod; her parents, Seb and Lura Augner; daughters, Debie Olinger and Mindy Hawkins Thielges; son, Tom Shrader; her husband of 35 years, Gib Nickels; brothers, Carl Penrod and Walter Augner; and sisters, Dorothy Riddle and Myrtle Smith. She is survived by her twin sister, Lucille Swan; grandchildren, Michelle Olinger and Pete “Butch” (Theresa) Shrader; great-granddaughters, Cassie, Ashley, and Katie; and nephew, Craig Swan.

There will be no wake or funeral. Inurnment will be at Glenwood Cemetery at a later date.

She was a kind, thoughtful, and loving person who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me
Tobe a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when day is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
Whispering softly down the ways
of happy times and laughing times,
of bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories when I leave
Behind-when day is done.