Rodger E. Nichols

rodger nichols

July 27, 1935 ~ July 7, 2025

Born in: Dickinson, North Dakota
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota

Rodger’s Vigil Service will be livestreamed below at 7:00 pm, Sunday, July 13, 2025

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 held several positions 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 creative role 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

Video Tribute:

Services

Prayer Service - Sunday: July 13, 2025 7:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Visitation - Sunday: July 13, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Funeral Mass - Monday: July 14, 2025 10:00 am

Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103

(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/

Visitation - Monday: July 14, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103

(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/

Burial - Monday: July 14, 2025 1:00 pm

Fargo National Cemetery
8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20
Harwood, North Dakota 58042

(701) 451-4650
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/fargo.asp

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Guestbook

  1. I worked with Rodger many years ago when he was a bailiff at the Cass county courthouse. My sincere sympathy to his wife, Dorothy and family. Rest in peace Rodger.

    • Rodger and Carissa and family,
      I am so very sorry for your loss of your dad, father in law and Grandpa.
      You are iny thoughts and prayers and I am sending virtual hugs to each of you during this very difficult time.
      It is difficult to loss a parent and Rodger, no matter whatever age you are we all want our ” mommies and daddies” at times even when we are “old” and supposed to be all grown up. So a HUGE hug to you as you say your final good bye!
      God Bless!
      Rhonda (Swenson) Bormann

  2. Rodgers was a dental patient, where I worker as an assistant. He was always such a happy fellow. He always had a story for me. We shared many good laughs. May you all find comfort in your many memories.
    Thoughts and prayers

  3. To the Nichols family: To your Dad and a great natured, wonderfull man. He’ll be missed here on this earth. Condolences to you all the family
    Bryan sandness

  4. Dear Jeff, Kim, Kole, Jordan and Nichols Family,
    So sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Roger was always such a fun and welcoming person, just like his son! We pray that your many blessed memories will fill your heart and God’s Grace will strengthen you and comfort your sadness.
    with God’s Blessings,
    Brian and Niesha Mancini

  5. Dad, thanks for all the good times. Your life and legacy lives on and we will always treasure the best of you. I love you forever!
    Gail


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