Walter "Tweet" P. Nickelson

Walter Paul "Tweet" Nickelson, of Cuba, MO, was born on Sunday, March 26, 1939, in Tiff, MO, to Clyde William Nickelson and May Ellen Nickelson, nee Lawrence.  He passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 25 days.

Tweet grew up in Fletcher, MO and attended school in Grandview, MO and Hillsboro, MO.  He joined the United States Army where he served his country honorably during the Korean War.  He met the love of his life, Betty Jean Arterburn, whom he married on April 15, 1961, in St. Louis, MO at Betty’s aunt’s home with her uncle officiating, just two weeks after meeting one another.  To this union three children, Paula, Alan and Andrew, were born.  When Tweet returned from the Army, he went to work at General Motors where he later retired when he was just 47 years old and then continued being a cattle farmer.  He was a hard worker, put in many hours and loved working on the farm. He was a member of the Cuba Masonic Lodge #312 where he served as a past Master and was also a member of the United Auto Workers Union.

He attended Deer Creek Church in Cuba, MO, where he enjoyed learning more about the Bible and growing closer to the Lord.  While in De Soto, MO, he taught Royal Rangers at their church.  Tweet was a privately generous man; he would show acts of kindness or give to others without seeking recognition or attention and would do anything for anyone, because of his caring nature.  Tweet enjoyed fishing and in later years enjoyed traveling with his wife, Betty, whether it was in Arizona where they RV’d, built 2 homes and joined the ‘Gold Seekers Club’, trips to Florida, Hawaii or other destinations to enjoy the sun.  He lived a full life, making friends and memories everywhere he went, telling great stories and accomplishing everything in life he had set out to do.  Most of all, Tweet loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and May Nickelson; parents-in-law, William Andrew Arterburn and Dovie May (husband Emmett) Jennings, nee Vickers; siblings, Juanita Smith, William “Boots” Nickelson, Lloyd Nickelson and Bernice (husband Don) Minx; brother-in-law, Ferd Metzler and six of Betty’s brothers.

Tweet is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Nickelson of Cuba, MO; children, Paula (husband Tucker) Herrell, Alan Nickelson and Andrew Nickelson (Brandy Shelton) all of Cuba, MO; grandchildren, Christopher (wife Stephanie) Herrell of Trenton, MI, Corey (wife Casi) Herrell of Steelville, MO, Cameron “Peyton” (Garrett) Herrell of Royal Oak, MI, Kile Nickelson of Washington, MO, Josh (wife Jenni) Pilkenton, Megan Henke, Ellyn Nickelson and River Nickelson all of Cuba, MO; great grandchildren, Brody, Blaine, Brielle, Gabriella, Wyatt, Lexi, Cameron, Cash, Chantz, Liana and Zalyn; sisters, Lavita Metzler of St. Charles, MO and Patti Bryant of Blackwell, MO; sisters-in-law, Betty Nickelson of Fletcher, MO and Ruth (husband John) Purdue of Seaford, DE; brother-in-law, Earl (wife Donna) Arterburn of Seneca, SC; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, MO.  Funeral Service immediately followed at 11:30 AM with Pastor Tommy Miller officiating.  Masonic Service was also held.  Burial was at Lick Creek Cemetery in Cuba, MO with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to Deer Creek Church or Amazing Grace Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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