Donald Nichols of Madison, Wisconsin, husband of 11 years to Jane Bartels, died on Feb. 15 in Wisconsin.  Mr. Nichols had lived an interesting and full life.  He was born in Madison, Connecticut, in 1940, son of Edward C. and Ruth N. Nichols. He grew up on a farm, a past he credited with his moral values and common sense, and he attended the local public school where he was a scholar, athlete, and musician.

Mr. Nichols was happiest in nature, no matter what the season, and he enjoyed contemplating difficult economic policy problems.  Most of all, he loved to laugh with his wife.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Charles of Madison, Wisconsin; his daughter Elizabeth of St. Paul, Minnesota; his granddaughter Clare of St. Paul, Minnesota; two brothers, Kenneth and Paul, both of Middletown; and his sister Marcia Stone of Madison, Connecticut.  He was predeceased by two wives, each of whom died of cancer: Linda Powley, his wife of 20 years, and his wife of 17 years, Barbara Jakubowski.

His funeral service was held on Feb. 23 at the First Congregational Church in Madison, Connecticut. Burial was in West Cemetery, Madison.  The Swan Funeral Home of Madison was in charge of arrangements.