Obituary of Violet E. Strack-Nickel

Violet Emmieline Freeman was born on May 20, 1936, in Lambertville, Michigan. She was one of three daughters born to William G. Freeman and Carmen (Cassady) Freeman. Violet was blessed with the birth of three sons and two daughters of her own. A loving mother and wife, she raised her children on an eighty-acre farm in Ida, Michigan alongside her husband, Oliver Strack. After Ollie’s passing, she later wed Donald Nickel. The proud wife of a United States Army WWII veteran, Vi was a lifetime member and Past President of the American Legion Post 514 Auxiliary in Ida, Michigan.

After her children were grown, Vi began working as a telephone operator for Bedford Answering Service.  She later took employment as a receptionist at Bedford Motor Corporation. A talented crafter and painter, she owned and operated a ceramics shop. She was a big fan of “The King of Rock n Roll” and loved listening to every single song Elvis performed. Vi also enjoyed trying her luck at bingo.

Known to have a lead foot, Vi could often be seen speeding through town. Fortunately, she never experienced anything more than a minor fender-bender and continued to drive independently into her eighties. Strong-willed and self-sufficient, Violet was confident enough to have chosen the life path that was right for her and lived without regret.

Violet Emmieline Strack-Nickel, age 87, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday; May 14, 2024.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Oliver Strack; her husband: Donald Nickel; a son: Norman Beamer; a daughter-in-law: Norma Beamer; two granddaughters: Anjuril Autumn Miller and Lyndsei-Nicole Summer Tuttle; and two sisters: Edna Gill and Lois Slaughterbeck.

To cherish her memory, she leaves four children: Valarie Benoit, Cristy Beamer, Nadine Raymer-Moore, and Irving (Misty) Strack; eight grandchildren: Norman Beamer, Janice Zdunczyk, Matthew Benoit, Jeannie, Namron Beamer, Maddilyn Keck, Crystal Szuch, and Tony Raymer; ten plus great grandchildren; and close friends: Donna and Christopher Rose.

Friends may gather on Sunday; May 19, 2024, from 1:30pm until 3:30pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Violet’s Life will begin at 3:30pm, also at Merkle’s, followed by a procession to Lulu Cemetery in Ida, Michigan for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.