Helene Karoline Nickel

Helene Karoline Nickel (""Oma""), beloved sister of Siegfried (Waltraud), Nelli, and Walli, mother of Mareile (Jason) and Armin (Joan), grandmother to Michele (Brian), Heidi, Chris (Gayle), Lisa, Thomas (Theresa), and Joanie (Paul), great-grandmother of Griffin, Emily, Tony, Jacob, Vanessa, Valerie (Kurtis), Cameron, Bryan (Morgan), Peter, Tommy, and Mia, and great-great grandmother of Kurtis, died peacefully the morning of Wednesday, July 4th, 2018.

Born in Dalherda, Gersfeld, West Germany, to Fredericke and Johann Barth, she married Wilhelm Gutermuth and had a daughter, Mareile. After her first husband died in a Russian prisoner-of-war camp in 1946, Helene and her family were relocated by the German Army from their home in Dalherda to Trétzhof, Fulda. At a local fair, she met Karl Heinz Nickel of Langenselbold, Hesse, West Germany, 9 years her junior, and charmed him into marrying her in 1951. They had a son, Armin.

Heinz was a Mercedes-Benz mechanic and was recruited in 1958 to move to the United States. The family had their choice to go to Maryland, Oregon, or New Mexico. They settled in Albuquerque for 6 years. In 1967, an opportunity arose to establish a Mercedes-Benz automotive repair facility in Lakewood, CO. The couple built the business-Heinz in the shop and Helene as office manager-to become one of the premier trusted German repair shops in the Denver area. In 1998, they sold the business to two of their mechanics, and it still endures today.

Helene often listened to customers' troubles and offered sage advice, helping to secure enduring clientele. Throughout their time in Albuquerque and Lakewood, with her charm and wit, she also garnered many lifelong friends. She was famous among them for hosting delicious German dinners and entertaining parties. Her cakes and tortes were adored by many. She traveled to Germany often and also accommodated many German visitors to the United States. Additionally, she and Heinz enjoyed several excursions to Hawaii and Mexico.

Cherished relative, savvy business woman, treasured friend, avid gardener, and most gracious host, Helene will be sorely missed. She will be interred beside her late husband, Heinz, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The family would like to thank Dr. David Leon and his staff for supportive care over the years and Lutheran Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Helene's name to your favorite charity.