Jeffrey L. Nickerson

Jeffrey L. Nickerson, 68, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born on September 17, 1956 in South Bend to Fred and Betty (McKee) Nickerson. On July 28, 1990, he married the love of his life, Judy M. Disterheft, who survives him. Jeffrey is also survived by four loving daughters, Emily (Nathan) Sagon of Granger, Maggie (Riley) Galloway of Mishawaka, Rachel Nickerson of South Bend, and Lydia Nickerson (Jacob MacDonald) of South Bend. He has five wonderful grandchildren, Gianna and Vincent Sagon, and Hudson, Hazel, and Gatlin Galloway. He will be missed by his sister, Sue Zimmerman of Granger, his brother Scott (Rhonda) Nickerson of Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff was the proud owner of Honkers Family Restaurants for over 30 years. He was committed to serving others and was known for making his customers and employees feel like family. He held many leadership roles in the restaurant community and at First English Lutheran Church. Jeff was generous with his time and business skills. His number one priority and joy was his family. He was a kind and loving husband to Judy in their 34 years of marriage. Jeff was lucky enough to have four wonderful daughters who he was so proud and supportive of. He was thankful to work alongside his whole family at the restaurants, and instilled in them his strong work ethic. Jeff treasured his role as “Papa” to his five precious grandchildren.  Together they took many walks along the bike trail and they loved Papa’s famous breakfast after a sleepover. He will be truly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gary Nickerson.

A service will be held in Jeff’s honor at First English Lutheran Church on February 1st at 11 o’clock in the morning. Visitation will begin at 10 A.M. Memorial Contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church in memory of Jeffrey. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com

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