- Born on: May 25, 1932
- Departed on: January 27, 2026
- Resided in: Exira, IA
Colleen Ann Nichols
Colleen Ann Nichols “Cody”, Age 93, of Exira, Iowa passed away January 27, 2026, at the Atlantic Hospital. Colleen was born in Audubon County Iowa to Verner and Marie Petersen. She had three brothers: Allan, Denny and David. She attended the Exira High School, class of 1950. She then went to AIB College of Business. Colleen was united in marriage to Franklyn G. Wahlert from 1953 to 1991, residing on the family farm east of Exira, Iowa. They had three children: Franklyn Jr., Wendie (Kevin) Cooper, and Janell (Mark) Nielsen. Collen worked as the activity director at the Exira Care Center for several years. After Frank’s passing in 1991, Colleen married S. Fletcher Nichols from 1995 to 2016, residing in Atlantic, Iowa. She became stepmom to: Jane (Craig) Becker, Jill (Randy) Euken, Dick (Cindy) Nichols, Shirley (Craig) Moore, Sherry (Mike) Maakestad, Amy (Dave) Jensen, Allison (Tom) Greenwald, and Bill (Linda) Nichols. After Fletcher’s passing in 2016, Colleen moved to assisted living and for the last several years had been living at the Exira Care Center.
Colleen is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, an infant son, and two brothers, Allan and Denny.
Colleen was a faithful servant of God. Her faith was the foundation for her life. She was the heart of her family, a source of comfort and unconditional love. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and open arms, where everyone felt welcome and loved. She so enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even great-great-grandmother. As a mother, she taught by example, with patience and compassion. As a grandmother, she was a source of endless love, wisdom, and joy, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She will be deeply missed, but her love lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Celebration of Life for Colleen Nichols will be held on May 3rd, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Exira Event Center, 106 N Jefferson St., Exira, Iowa. Please jot down a favorite memory. There will be a collection box for them.
