PIERRE, SD – Mark William Nichols, the man who could always be counted on for a good laugh, passed away November 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a lot of harmonica music. He was 65.

Mark’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at The Bridge (107 E. 7th Street) in Pierre. In lieu of flowers, memorials and condolences can be sent to his family at 212 Sunshine Loop, Pierre, SD 57501. Memorials can be designated to The American Diabetes Association.

Born in Rochester, NY to Arthur and Dorothy (Glossner) Nichols, Mark was a man of many talents, but none more impressive than his ability to brighten any room with his humor. Whether he was cracking jokes, playing his harmonica, or telling a story that inevitably ended with an eye-roll and a chuckle, Mark had the rare gift of making everyone around him smile. He truly was the king of the “dad joke,” and if you ever met him, you’d know exactly what we mean.

Mark served in the Army before moving to South Dakota. He worked at Avantara for over 20 years, having started when it was still known as Beverly’s Nursing Home. His work was important to him, but it was the people he worked with and the connections he made that he cherished most.

Mark’s sense of humor was matched only by the depth of his love for his family. Mark met his first wife, Linda, while stationed in Germany. Their time together was a testament to true partnership, and he became a steadfast father figure to Susan, Deb, Tom, and Tina. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter, and his legacy continued through grandchildren. When Linda passed away, Mark kept his role as a loving father and grandfather close to his heart, honoring her memory in the way he continued to love their family.

Later, Mark found love again in 1994 with Kris, who brought even more light into his life and added three more daughters, Tracy, Lori, and Jodi. Mark’s heart was big enough to hold all of them—his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone who was lucky enough to be in his orbit. It didn’t matter how many names were added to his Christmas list—Mark made sure every they all felt they were his favorite – oftentimes dressed in a Santa suit.

The people who brought him the most joy were his grandchildren—Alex, Cassie, Lydia, Sam, Leif, Omri, Andrew, Jack, Izzy, Oliver, Nick, Mason, Cody, Colt, Steven, Ryken, Ireland, Amaya, Melvon, Apollo, Dreya, and his great-grandchildren, Linda Lou and Douglas. They were his constant source of happiness, and he would light up whenever they were near.

Mark was predeceased by his beloved wife Linda, his grandson Leif, his parents Arthur and Dorothy Nichols, his sister Christine Horeth, his brother Lee Nichols and last but definitely not least special pets Putt-Putt and Sunka.

He is survived by his wife Kris, his children Susan, Deb, Tom (Nikki), Tina (Marc), Tracy (Bryan), Lori (Anthony), Jodi, and all his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Keith (Gail) Nichols, his sister Allison (Bill) Wildey, sister-law Dawn Nichols and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his jokes and his generous spirit.

Mark’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who knew him, but the stories, laughter, and love he shared will continue to fill the spaces he’s left behind. And don’t worry—his harmonica will still be heard, likely accompanied by a groan-inducing punchline, somewhere in the great beyond.

Mark, dad, BFD, you made us laugh, you made us love, you made us mad, but most of all you made us remember the joy in life’s simplest moments. You’ll be missed more than you know.

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