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Obituary

Melvin Earl Nikkel went home to be with his Savior on Friday, August 6, 2021 in Bakersfield, California. He was born on November 24, 1928 in Bakersfield, California, the second of five children born to Cornelius R. and Matilda Nikkel. He grew up on the family farm off Rosedale Highway, attending Greeley School and Kern High School, later known as Bakersfield High School. He attended college at Pacific Bible Institute, now known as Fresno Pacific University, where he met his wife Martha (Marty) Quiring. They married on December 10, 1949 and were blessed with four children: Jane, Carl, Donna, and Nancy.
A lifelong member of the Rosedale Mennonite Brethren Church (now Rosedale Bible Church), his faith and foundation in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior was the cornerstone of his life. Melvin’s life was characterized by integrity and faithfulness to the Church and its Mission, to his wife of 62 years, to his family, and to his vocation.
Melvin farmed most of his adult life with family members including his father, brother Clarence, brother Norman, and son Carl in the business known for many years as Nikkel Bros Farms.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clarence Nikkel and wife Doris, his brother Norman Nikkel and wife Arlene, and his beloved wife Marty. He is survived by his brother Wilbur Nikkel and wife Barbara, sister Carol Bartel and husband James, and by his children Jane Quiring, Carl Nikkel, Donna Spoelstra, Nancy Nikkel, and their spouses, nine grandchildren and spouses, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The graveside service is 9:30 AM at Shafter Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at Rosedale Bible Church at 11:00 AM.