Wendy Gene Nickelson

August 23, 1949 ~ January 24, 2022
Wendy Gene Nickelson, beloved mother, wife and well-known preschool teacher ‘Miss Wendy’, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, surrounded by her daughters, Tammy and Shannon.
Wendy was born in Vancouver, WA, on Aug. 23, 1949, to Dexter McPherson and Bettie Gene Dedmore. Her parents divorced when she was young so Dexter and his mother, Eva Ochs, raised her until Dexter married Francis Jean Trowbridge. With her step and half-siblings, Wendy was the oldest of seven. She grew up a longtime resident of Camas, WA.
Wendy graduated from Camas High School in 1967 and went on to earn her associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark College. She married David Stout in 1968 and had two daughters, Tammy and Shannon.
Wendy’s love for Jesus was exemplified in her love of teaching children. She taught at Noah’s Ark Daycare and Preschool for many years and was privileged to love and serve so many in the Camas community. Following her divorce, she opened her own Christian preschool, ‘Miss Wendy’s Place’ and then ‘Little Sprout Preschool’.
In 1988 she married Fred Vern Nickelson and gained step children Holli and Gabe. She and Vern remained happily married until her death.
Her faith in Christ and her love for others was evident to all that knew her. Over the years, she was a member of Laurelwood Baptist, Bethel Community, Harvest Community and Manor Evangelical Church. She developed many long-lasting friendships from those communities.
Wendy was an avid writer, poet and loved to sing. Even after retirement, she was still writing and teaching children in Sunday School. She loved flowers (especially purple), gardening, tea houses, good books and more than anything, her children and grandchildren. She sacrificed much for those she cared for and loved everyone purely. She honored Jesus in how she lived.
She is survived by her husband, Vern Nickelson; daughter, Tammy (Jayson) Tidland; daughter, Shannon (Tony) Adams; stepdaughter, Holli (Shane) Rapp; stepson, Gabe (Stacy) Nickelson; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at her church, Manor Evangelical 17913 NE 72nd Ave. Battle Ground, WA 98604 on March 19 at 1:00 p.m. The family would love to see any of her prior students who are able to attend.