December 18, 1945 - February 11, 2026
OBITUARY
Dennis Lee Nichols passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 80. Dennis was born on December 18, 1945 in Stockton, CA to Elmer and Marjorie Nichols. He grew up in Lodi and attended Lodi Union High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1965 and served four years in the Vietnam War. After his service, he returned to Lodi and married Idella Mae (Schlenker) on August 22, 1971. He worked for the Lodi Unified School District in the Maintenance and Operations division for many years and made many life long friendships with his co-workers before retiring in 2010.
Dennis loved spending quality time with his family, especially with his two grandsons, in which he had wonderful memories and adventures with traveling, camping, fishing, trips to the range and talking about cars. He enjoyed working on his 1957 Chevy Bel Air, attending car shows and was a member of the American Steel Car Club. Dennis was known for his witty humor and made friends easily, often running into someone he
knew no matter where he went.
He is survived by Idella Nichols; son, Brian Nichols; 2 grandchildren, Lucas Nichols and Henry Nichols; sister, Linda Nichols; brother, Gregory Nichols. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Marjorie Nichols.
A private service will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with committal at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nichols family.
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