Melvin Earl Nikkel went home to be with his Savior on Friday, August 6, 2021 in Bakersfield, California. He was born on November 24, 1928 in Bakersfield, California, the second of five children born to Cornelius R. and Matilda (Elrich) Nikkel. He grew up on the family farm off Rosedale Highway, attending Greeley School and Kern High School, later known as Bakersfield High School. He attended college at Pacific Bible Institute, now known as Fresno Pacific University, where he met his wife Martha (Marty) Quiring. They married on December 10, 1949 and were blessed with four children: Jane, Carl, Donna, and Nancy. A lifelong member of the Rosedale Mennonite Brethren Church (now Rosedale Bible Church), his faith and foundation in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior was the cornerstone of his life. Melvin's life was characterized by integrity, conscientiousness, and faithfulness to the Church and its Mission, to his wife Marty for 62 years, to his family, and to his vocation. Melvin farmed most of his adult life in partnership with family members including his father, brother Clarence, brother Norman, and son Carl in the business known for many years as Nikkel Bros. Farms. Melvin enjoyed hymns and the fellowship at church functions, playing trumpet and harmonica, problem solving and fixing things, reading and learning new things, watching all sorts of sports, traveling to historical places and National Parks and, of course, gathering with his beloved family. Sharing these things with him will be greatly missed. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, brother Clarence Nikkel and wife Doris, brother Norman Nikkel and wife Arlene, and his beloved wife Marty. He is survived by brother Wilbur Nikkel and wife Barbara, sister Carol Bartel and husband James, his children Jane and Paul Quiring, Carl and Lisa Nikkel, Donna and Dean Spoelstra, and Nancy Nikkel, grandchildren Allison, Matthew, Ryan, Craig, Janna, Kelly, Amy, Jeff, and Jon and their spouses plus 12 great-grandchildren.