Robert P. "Bob" Nickelsen, 87, of Popko Circle West, Mercer, died Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff.      He was born Oct. 12, 1924, in Northfield Township, Illinois, son of the late Henry and Catharine (Baeth) Nickelsen, and graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Ill. in 1941. He was employed in golf course maintenance in Northbrook prior to entering the U.S. Army on Jan. 21, 1949, and serving with Occupation Forces in Japan.      Following his honorable discharge as a military policeman on Dec. 6, 1951,  Bob returned to his employ in golf course maintenance in Northbrook. He retired as a delivery driver for Cooksey Oil Co. in Northbrook in 1978 and moved to Mercer. In his retirement, he worked as a handyman in Mercer.      Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially snowmobiling. He loved spending time with his family.      Surviving are two daughters, Donna (Carl) Hertel, Mercer, and Janet Wolfe, Jefferson City, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kim (Greg) Bortz, Butternut, Kevin (Dani) Hertel, Weston, Kelly (Henry) Joustra, Mercer, Jason (Amy) Wolfe, St. Charles, Mo., and Christy (Justin) Falter, Jefferson City; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.      Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by a granddaughter, Cori Renee Hertel, in infancy; two brothers, Arthur and Gilbert; and two sisters, Alice Endru and Sophia Roth.      Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 23, at 11 a.m., in the Mercer Cemetery, with the Rev. Jean B. Rencontre officiating.      Committal will follow.      A flag presentation ceremony will then be accorded by representatives of the Mercer-Manitowish Waters American Legion Post 424 and Mercer VFW Post 9536 Honor Guard.      Lunch will be served at The Pines in Mercer immediately following the service.      Bob's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc, Ironwood, Mich.