Edward Nechiporenko Nichols , 102, Minot, formerly of Butte, died Sunday in the North Dakota Veterans Home, Lisbon.

Edward was born December 1, 1908, in Butte, ND, to Metraphon "Nick" and Katherine (Saborsky) Nechiporenko.

He was raised and educated in Butte, ND throughout his childhood. Eddie enlisted in the US Navy on October 24, 1942. He served his country honorably and was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in action during World War II. Eddie was discharged on July 15, 1946, in Oakland, California.

Eddie was united in marriage to Anne Jean Morris on September 2, 1951, at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Berkley, CA. They made their home in Castro Valley, California, throughout their professional lives. Eddie was a employed as a delivery driver for a laundry service and also for Teamsters for a number of years until his retirement.

Following Anne's death on December 31, 1985, Eddie began his journey back to his ND roots. He traveled across the country, visiting various family members and friends, spending summers in Minot with family. Starting in 1995, Eddie resided at times in the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon and most recently was in the specialized care unit of the facility, receiving excellent care from staff, as well as developing friendships over the years.

Eddie was a member of the Teamsters and the Butte American Legion. He enjoyed games of chance, with a favorite being Bingo, in addition to traveling. Eddie will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

His loving family includes: sons, Robert J. Nichols, and Randolph E. Nichols, both of the San Francisco Bay Area, CA; grandchildren, Kimberly and Mark Nichols; great-granddaughter, Marnie Nichols; sister-in-law, Mabel Nechiporenko, Butte, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Linda Hovde, Minot, ND

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Agnus Palmer and Helen Donalenko, brothers, John, Mike, Sam, George, Russell and James Nechiporenko.

Graveside Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward, CA;
Local visitation: Friday, April 29, 2011, from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND.