Bernice "Mickey" Nickerson

Bernice (Mickey) Burnham McDonald Nickerson, 97, of Idaho Falls, died April 8, 2011, at Lincoln Court Retirement Center. She was born June 27, 1913, at Columbia Gardens, near Butte, Montana, to John Charles McDonald and Lora Westover McDonald. She resided with her beloved grandmother, Emma Pearce and husband, Joe Pearce in Butte, Montana when she was a young girl. She worked as a beautician in Pocatello as a young woman. She also worked at the Pocatello Air Base where she drove two and a half ton trucks. She could drive more loads than anyone else because of the truck she was using and was very proud of that fact. Bernice worked at the base for two years and there met her soul mate, Raymond Emery Nickerson, known as Nick. One day she was the last to bring in a load on her truck and Nick, who was in charge of the unit, was there to greet her. He asked her if she was hungry and he took her to the kitchen. Although the kitchen was closed, he made sure they served her. On November 7, 1943 they were married in Blackfoot and their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple. Through the years, she and Nick had many beautiful memories together. They lived in Arizona and Pocatello, before moving to Mack’s Inn for eight years. Nick built her a cabin where they lived and enjoyed dog sledding. They later moved to Swan Valley where they made their home until her husband passed away on June 6, 1985. She moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona and then later to Idaho Falls. Mickey was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Survivors are: Son: Darryl B. (Maria) Nickerson, Hereford, AZ Grandson: Hans C. (Lady) Nickerson, Coeur d’Alene, ID Granddaughter: Sheila M. Nickerson, Alaska 1 great grandson and 1 great great grandson She was preceded in death by her parents and a younger sister. Graveside services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Swan Valley Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) in Idaho Falls prior to leaving for the cemetery.