The Rev. Dr. John M. Nickerson, 85, formerly of 1806 Marshall Road in Greenwood, husband of Dr. Susie M. Bradley Nickerson, died Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at HospiceCare of the Piedmont.

Born in Rochester, MN, he was the son of the late Drs. Mahlon A. and O'Tillie Boie Nickerson. He received his Doctorates in Education and in Handicapped Ministry, was a professor of sociology, and retired as a pastor with the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. His interests included family, ministry with the disabled, teaching and reading, especially the Sunday New York Times newspaper.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife are his children, Kirk Nickerson of Blue Island, IL, Beth Garrette (André) of Fort Collins, CO, June Miller of Arlington Heights, IL, Eric Nickerson (Judy) of Park Ridge, IL, Lisa Sterner (Richard) of Arlington Heights, IL, John Nickerson (Linda) of Crystal Lake, IL, Paul Nickerson of Des Plaines, IL, Ann Palmer of Kingwood, TX, Sherry Belcher of Mundelien, IL, Rosemary Byrd of Bolder, CO, Cindy Janyja of Greenwood, and Stephen Byrd of Des Plaines, IL; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Nickerson.

A celebration service of John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jon Richter officiating. Committal service will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be John Nickerson, Paul Nickerson, Kirk Nickerson, and Paul Janyja.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Christian Counseling Center, 343 W. Cambridge Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646, to support the program for those unable to afford much needed counseling.

The family members are at their respective homes.