Daniel Nicholls

Daniel John Nicholls, 78 of Rochester, Minnesota passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 at Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th.

Dan was born June 29, 1947 in Bay City, Michigan to Joyce & William Nicholls. He grew up in Engadine, Michigan.

After High School Dan became a Registered Nurse. He furthered his nursing career by receiving a Doctorate in Education from Montana State University. This degree then enabled Dan to teach in Schools of Nursing at Baccalaureate and Masters levels at Northern Michigan Univ.[Marquette], Univ. of Wyoming [Laramie], Winona State Univ. [Rochester]. Dan advocated for Nursing throughout his career via Minnesota Nursing Association as a member & volunteer.

Dan married Diane (Valley) of Redwood City, CA Dec 1980. They have one child. Dan is survived by his wife Diane, son Dylan (Abha Mistry) of San Jose CA, sister Linda Spalding of Virginia Beach VA, and brother David (Karen) LaCross of Lake Linden MI. Also surviving are 1 grandchild Arish Mistry-Nicholls, and several nieces & nephews.

Dan's family enjoyed annual road trips out West for camping & trout fishing. He was an avid hunter and fisherman sharing annual adventures with like-minded friend groups for bowhunting elk & Fly fishing throughout Wyoming and Montana plus varied locations for Spring turkey hunts. These lifelong passions were reflected in his local volunteerism with National Wildlife Turkey Federation, Byron Sportsmen Conservation Club and supported with one dedicated room at home.

A visitation is planned for June 17, 2026, 3-5p at Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations, 1624 37th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 280-0311.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family suggests considering a Legacy Memorial donation in Dan's name to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation @ https://your.nwtf.org/members/donate/?action=home or a Memorial/Tribute gift designated to Lewy Body Disease Research at Mayo Clinic. Online memorials can be made in Dan's name @ give.mayoclinic.org/designate or by check mailed to: Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 noting Dan's name with designation.