Joan Elizabeth Fieber Nickander

October 20, 1935 – May 14, 2025

Joan Elizabeth Fieber Nickander, 89, Noblesville, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 20, 1935, in Madison, Minn., to Nick and Nettie (Sand) Fieber. Joan grew up on the family farm and was very active in 4-H. Her early career included work at the local newspaper, the 4-H Office at the University of Minnesota, and Powers Electric Company. Later, she became a real estate broker in Noblesville and served as Office Manager for the family business, Nickander Associates. Despite her professional accomplishments, Joan always considered raising her family her most important work.

Joan married the love of her life, Gary Lew Nickander, on September 20, 1958, in Madison, Minn. They met at a dance after Gary returned from Navy service and were inseparable for 66 years until his passing earlier this year. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and family.

Joan had a sharp mind and a love for games and cards – she rarely lost, so no one really knew if she was a good or bad loser. She took pride in always being “put together,” with a classic, never flashy, sense of style. She was renowned for never missing a birthday, always sending cards right on time.

Though she couldn’t swim and had a fear of water, Joan adored their condo at Ottertail Lake. She loved dancing with Gary – they were graceful and joyful partners on the dance floor. A dedicated sports fan, she cheered for the Colts, Pacers, and Purdue, and especially loved watching games with her grandchildren, right up to her final days.

Joan cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating their milestones and supporting their journeys.

She was the spiritual heart of her family – a devout Catholic and a true prayer warrior. Her faith in Jesus was unwavering, and she ended each day praying the Rosary.

Joan’s legacy is one of love, strength, faith, and grace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her sisters, Kaye Novak and Pat (Dan) Jones; her brother, Marc (Phyllis) Fieber; her sisters-in-law, Sue Johnson and Kay Nickander; her children, Dan (Kaylynn) Nickander, Carla (Bill) Crask, Kelly (Mike) McVey, and Kari Nickander (Adam) Perry; her grandchildren, Marci (Alex) Burrow, Lindsey McVey (Aaron Head), Madi Nickander, Mitch McVey, Carl (Kylie) Nickander, Bonnie Nickander, Otto Perry, and Ava Perry; and her great-grandchildren, Dalyla, Arlo, and Bronson Burrow.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary; her parents; and her brothers, William and Bernie Fieber.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 9900 E. 191st St., Noblesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Grace Altar Rosary Society, 9900 E. 191st St., Noblesville.

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