April Louise Nicol, 79, of Osage, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following complications from dementia and a recent illness.
April was born April 1, 1947, in York, Pennsylvania, to James and Delores Halterman. She was the oldest of four sisters and spent much of her childhood in Mount Vernon and Osage.
According to her obituary, April was active in the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church while growing up and developed an early love of singing, friendship and collecting special keepsakes.
Through church, April met Max Nicol when she was young. The couple married June 8, 1968, and became the parents of two children, Valerie and Jon.
April worked in several jobs over the years, but roles involving children and books became especially meaningful to her.
She eventually operated her own Christian book and gift store in Osage.
Later, April worked as a library media specialist at Washington School, combining her love of books with her enjoyment of working with children. She remained in that role until health problems related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue forced her to leave the workforce.
Faith remained a guiding force throughout April’s life. According to her obituary, she worked to maintain a positive outlook through difficult circumstances and placed her trust in the Lord.
Family also remained at the center of her life.
April is survived by her daughter, Valerie Tichy and her husband, Eric; son, Jon Nicol and his wife, Shannon; sisters Chris Winters, Bev Butterfield and Karen Halterman; seven grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Max, who died in 2019, and her parents, James and Delores Halterman.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Osage Cemetery, 618 North Second Street in Osage.
A Celebration of Life, followed by food and fellowship, will begin at noon at Cedar Valley Seminary, 200 North Seventh Street in Osage.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to CUSB, 1533 Main Street, Osage, Iowa 50461.
Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel of Osage is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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