Rodger E. Nichols

Rodger Edward Nichols of Fargo, ND passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, July 7th, 2025, at the age of 89, at SMP Health St. Catherine South in Fargo, where he was cared for with kindness and compassion. 



Rodger was born on July 27, 1935, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Louis and Rosemary (Rice) Nichols. He graduated from Billings High School in 1953 and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country with honor. Following his discharge, Rodger returned to Montana before settling in Dickinson, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy (Jahner) Nichols. They were united in marriage on August 27, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson.



Over the years, Rodger embarked on a fulfilling career, including his role with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where he managed the distribution route in the Minot, ND region. In 1967, Rodger moved the family to Fargo to pursue a 17-year career, serving as the Advertising Manager for Nash Finch Foods – a career he truly excelled in. We will never forget his expert drawings of our favorite “Piggly Wiggly” character.

Following his departure from Nash Finch, Rodger pursued numerous endeavors including real estate sales, an innovative start-up called “FoodFax” servicing local restaurants and businesses, and he supplied restaurants with the most delicious homemade cheesecakes this side of the Missouri River. Rodger had an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed working with people.

Rodger’s family will always cherish the many wonderful memories he created for his children. Known as the fun guy, he found ways to provide endless recreational activities including fishing, camping, golfing, watersports, swimming, tennis, motorcycle rides, skiing, basketball and fun toboggan rides.He also enjoyed hobbies such as woodworking and photography and instilled the belief that anything you want to learn or create is possible with the right attitude.

A lifelong learner, Rodger instilled a love for language, reading, writing, and especially a great desire to know our Lord and Savior. We hope that his years of prayers impact those closest to him and serve as an example of the peace that is available as followers of Christ.

Rodger was also an active member of his community, serving as a Scout leader and participating in parish activities at Nativity Church, where he led pre-marital classes and contributed to religious education. His years of involvement with the Knights of Columbus and his service as Grand Knight brought him much joy and brotherhood.

Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) created a turning point for Rodger. He also took his role as a member of the Men of the Cross seriously and enjoyed the fellowship of his faith filled friends.

Rodger is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gerald (Joanne) Nichols and Duane (Peggy) Nichols.

Rodger is survived by his beloved spouse, Dorothy Nichols; sister, Rose Marie Boese Patterson, children, Jeff (Kim) Nichols; Gail (Ed) Micca; Rodger (Carisa) Nichols; and Lisa Nichols; Grandchildren: Kole and Jordan Nichols; Ian, Sean, and Kelly Micca; Preston (Callie) Nichols; Alyssa (Brittany) Nichols; Noah (Becca) Cook; Hannah (Aaron) Green; Great-grandchildren: Apollo Green, Lola Nichols, and Henry Cook.

Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo
6:00 PM Visitation
7:00 PM Prayer Service

Monday July 14, 2025 at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
9:00 A.M. Visitation
10:00 A.M. Funeral Mass followed by luncheon

Monday, July 14, 2025 at Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.
1:00 P.M. Burial with Military Honors