Kimberly A. “Kim” Whitaker of North Platte passed away peacefully at her home on September 7, 2025, surrounded by love.
Kim was born on May 1, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, to Jim and Nancy Whitaker. The family soon moved to North Platte, where she attended North Platte Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1979. That same year, she married Jerry Nichols of North Platte, and together they raised three children: Sarah (1980), Eric (1982), and Kyle (1985).
Kim devoted her early years to raising her children, whether it was countless evenings at the ballpark, packing up the camper for a weekend at the lake, or later heading out for time at the family cabin. Once her kids were in school, Kim began a career in retail at the North Platte Mall. For more than 25 years, she shared her talents and love of fashion while helping manage stores including Herberger’s, The Buckle, and finally Christopher & Banks before her retirement. Her natural eye for clothing was evident—her closets could tell the story best.
Outside of work, Kim filled her days with hobbies and passions that brought her joy. She loved shopping, antiques (especially shopping for antiques), cooking, being outdoors, weekends at the lake, cheering on Husker football, and most of all, caring for her beloved plants. Indoors or out, she could make anything flourish. A gift card to the local nursery was all it took to make her day.
Kim’s home was always a welcoming place. She had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and loved—her children’s friends often found her house to be their second home. Her fully stocked pantry of sodas may have been for them, though in truth it may also have fueled her love for Squirt—often more than a half dozen cans a day.
Kim is survived by her children: Sarah Nichols (Jeff), Eric Nichols (Shannon), and Kyle Nichols (Sarah M.), all of North Platte; grandchildren: Sadie (Justin) Pettit of Omaha, Sophia (Ezeqiel) of Denver, Jayden of Fremont, Treyton (Shontelle), Ben, Ryder, Penelope, Gianna, and Tyler, all of North Platte; brother David (Abel) Whitaker of New York City; Aunt Diane Kelly-Blunk, cousins Mark, Jeff, and Sean Whitaker of McCook, and Kevin Whitaker of Gilbert, Arizona; along with many other dear family members and friends who held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jim and Nancy Whitaker; grandparents James and Kathleen Whitaker and Loren and Maxine Morris; great-aunt Ellen Christensen; uncle Bill Whitaker; Cousin Lindsey Whitaker; and many close friends.
Kim will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, her deep love for family, and her gift for making every place she touched feel like home.
Memorials are suggested to the Lincoln County Extension Office or Mid Nebraska Community Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at adamsswanson.com.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 12, 2025 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Evans officiating. Visitation will be from noon – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, with family receiving friends from 5-7 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is assisting the family.