Joel Daniel Nichols, Jr., 66, died at home unexpectedly, on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Born on April 16, 1958, in Omaha, NE, he was son to the late Joel Daniel, Sr. and Mildred Jean (Gorball) Nichols.  Joel was the loving husband to Marcella "Marcy" J. Nichols, whom he married February 3, 1978, in Erlangen, Germany, while they were both serving in the Army, and then shared 46 wonderful years together.

Joel graduated from Blair High School in Blair, Nebraska, in the class of 1976. Immediately following high school, Joel entered the U.S. Army and served his country proudly. During his military service, while in Germany, he met his beloved wife, Marcy. Later, Joel and Marcy settled in Hanover, PA.

Joel was a Master Certified Technician in the automotive industry.

Joel was a member of the Hanover VFW, the NU-Ox Rod & Gun Club, the Green Springs Gun Club and the York/Adams Gun Club. For many years Joel was a trap shooter for the Amateur Trapshooting Association, as he enjoyed it very much. Joel was a fan of NASCAR, sprint racing and enjoyed attending races. He loved his grandson, Aaron, and was very proud of him. Joel most enjoyed spending his time with family.

In addition to his loving wife, Marcy, Joel is survived by two daughters, Lorraine Fridinger & her husband Eric of York, PA, and Sara Nichols and her partner Jason of Suffolk, VA, one grandson, Aaron Joel Fridinger, one sister-in-law, Roxanne Nichols, many nieces and nephews across the U.S., and 2 beloved dog companions, Libby and Willow. Joel was preceded in death by his three brothers, Michael Nichols, Ronald Nichols, and Dennis Nichols.

Following cremation, a memorial service to celebrate and remember Joel's life will be held at 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Wetzel Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 549 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331, with Pastor Todd Witmer officiating.  The Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard will present military honors at 6:45 PM. A visitation and time to share memories with the family will be from 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM, also at the funeral home. The family asks that attendees come to the service dressed casually and/or with a touch of patriotic colors. Burial will be in Grange Cemetery, Honey Creek, Iowa, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joel's name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.WetzelFuneralHome.com.