Mark Allen Nikkel was born on December 26, 1963, in Oklahoma City, the beloved son of Sally Anne Jackson and Ray Gene Nikkel. He unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the age of 60.

Mark grew up in Oklahoma City, where he created lasting memories and friendships while graduating from Putnam City North High School in 1983. He went on to pursue a bachelor's in finance from Oklahoma State University in 1987.

Mark began his career as an insurance and securities representative and then spent 18 years as a medical representative in the pharmaceutical industry. Later, he chose to retire from sales to focus on raising his two cherished daughters and managing the family's real estate portfolio. In 2019, Mark became a certified Medicare Insurance Advisor, dedicated to helping numerous clients secure their Medicare benefits.

On August 19, 1995, Mark married Carla Custer, the love of his life. Together, they built a warm and loving home in Edmond, where they raised their two beautiful daughters, Avery and Emily.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister, Dee Ann Nikkel. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carla; daughters, Avery Nikkel and her love, Mason Belcher, and Emily Nikkel and her love, Kane Sharp. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Nancy Custer Hester; father-in-law, Robert L. Custer and wife, Judy; his caring aunt, Mrs. Bob (Janice) Jackson; cousins, Mike Jackson and wife Mindy, and David Jackson and wife Billie; brothers-in-law, Bobby Custer and wife Deana, and Mark Wilkerson; sisters-in-law, Kelley Allen and husband Brent, Jennifer Graumann and husband Payton, and Darcy Salisbury and husband Bill.

Mark also leaves behind his dear nephews and nieces, Chris Jackson and wife Elaine, Elle Custer, Aubrey Alexander and husband Gavin, Rachel Holcomb and husband Chris, and Presley Graumann, as well as his great-nephews and great-nieces, Robert, Aubrey, Nick, Noah, Simon, and Silvia Jackson.

A Message from His Girls –

Our dad placed our mom on the highest of pedestals, always showing us the true meaning of love and respect. He taught us to never hold a grudge, reminding us that anger is fleeting and forgiveness is essential. As a stay-at-home dad, he cherished every moment with us, whether he was braiding our hair, volunteering at our school, or coaching our sports teams. He loved to take care of his girls. Dad had a daily passion for golf and has always been a devoted fan of the OSU Cowboys. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved sitting on the back porch to watch for hummingbirds and cardinals or simply taking the dogs for a walk in our neighborhood. Dad loved his neighbors and would often stop and talk to them for hours. Dad took pride in his relation to Jesse James, but his greatest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dad had an ability to know what you needed before you did, whether it was changing your oil, offering you a piece of gum, a piece of chocolate, or a cup of coffee way too late at night. He never knew a stranger and was the ultimate friend. He was always ready to drop everything to spend time with us. His support and pride in our accomplishments were unwavering, and his loyalty as a friend was unmatched. Dad shared his passions with us and demonstrated daily how a father should love his family. He shaped us into who we are today, and we are forever grateful for having been blessed with the best dad anyone could ask for. 1-4-3 (I love you).

For the last 30 plus years, Mark made me feel like the most beautiful and loved woman in the world. He brought overwhelming joy to me and our family. We cherished holding hands, performing selfless acts, and celebrating every occasion (especially birthdays). He would bring me breakfast in bed, lunch at my desk and surprise me for dinner. Mark treasured time together whether it was traveling, watching sports or talking about his beautiful daughters. He gifted me with his support to pursue my professional goals and lifted me up when I needed it most. Through his enduring love we will find strength and perseverance. My love always.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." – Reinhold Neibuhr

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in support of The Mark Nikkel Cowgirl Softball Fund at the OSU Foundation. Mark found joy in coaching his girls' softball teams and loved rooting on the OSU Cowgirls. Go Pokes! Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749 or gifts can be made online at secure.osugiving.com >LINK----> Mark Nikkel Cowgirl Softball Fund

A celebration of Mark's life will be held from 6:30 to 10:00 pm (Drop-In Gathering) on Saturday, July 27th at the Kickingbird Golf Course Event Center, 1600 E. Danforth Road, Edmond, OK. Please join us as we honor and remember a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, love, and dedication. If you plan to join the celebration, please RSVP! <--LINK