Edward M. Nicholson

Nicholson, Edward M.
99, passed away March 17, 2011. Ed was born Sept. 26, 1911 in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. His parents immigrated to Canada from England. When Ed was very young, the family moved to Michigan. Ed grew up attending school in Detroit and Grand Rapids. Before WWII Ed was District Auditor for Michigan Public Service, a division of Michigan Gas & Electric in Traverse City. During the war Ed served with the U.S. Army in the 167th Engineer Battalion in France after D-Day. He became a prisoner of war after being captured during a reconnaissance mission in Vallaines-La-Juhel France. His experience can be read on the 167th web page at: http://167thengineercombatbattalion.com After the war Ed worked for Interstate Power Co. in Decorah and Dubuque, Iowa rising to Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President and was a member of the Board of Directors. Ed retired in 1976 and retired from the board in 1983. Ed married Martha Lewis in 1982. They moved to Arizona in 1994. Ed was active in and a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Dubuque and Grace United Methodist Church in Mesa. Ed was preceded in death by: two brothers, his first wife, Viola Muth Nicholson, his second wife Mary Elmer Nicholson, and daughter, Mary Lewis. Ed is survived by his wife, Martha of Mesa, his son, Peter Elmer of Janesville WI., and daughter, Priscilla Owens of Mesa, niece, Roberta Ballenger of Westlake MI., seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was one of "The Greatest Generation".