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William Nicholas. Obituary

WILLIAM A. 'BILL' NICHOLAS, 89 ROCKFORD - William A. "Bill" Nicholas, 89, of Rockford, died Monday, April 15, 2013, with his family by his side. Born March 25, 1924, in Rockford; the son of William J. and Ruby E. (McEachran) Nicholas. Graduated from West High School in 1942 and attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Served in the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II. He married Lois M. Johnson, the love of his life, Jan. 15, 1949. Bill's love and devotion to Lois for over 64 years was most precious to him and especially evident to all who knew them. He was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rockford and Church of Nativity in Huntsville, Ala. for many years. Bill worked for Barber Colman for 25 years, with his last assignment as Plant Manager in Huntsville, Ala. After retiring from Abbar-Ipsen, with over 17 years of service, he worked part-time at Clock Tower Inn and Riverside Bank. Bill was a charter member and past president of the Rotary Club of Cherry Valley. He was also a member of the Tebala Shrine Center and the Valley of Freeport Scottish Rite, and sang with Svea Soner Chorus. Bill cherished special family time of which he received great enjoyment, along with fellowship with close friends in his poker club and Lois's coffee party. He will be remembered as a man of character and principle, a wonderful husband and caregiver, a loyal and generous provider to his family, and an exceptional role model to his children and grandchildren, stressing the importance of education and great work ethic. We will be forever inspired by his steadfast Christian faith and love of family. He had the greatest respect for and honored his brothers, Dan (Ruth) and Ab (Nancy) Nicholas. Those who continue to share his memories are his wife, Lois; sons, John of Rockford, Bradley (Kay) of Ozark, Ala. and their children, Will and Kathryn, Mark of Westmont, Ill. and his children, Andrew and Allyson, and Dan of San Diego, Calif. Memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103, with Rev. Pamela Hillenbrand officiating. Memorial donations in Bill Nicholas' memory would be welcomed to Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, IL 61107; or Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18, 2013.
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Lois,John & Brad Please know my thoughts are with you all as you mourn the loss of your dear husband & father. I wish I had known Bill,but didn't. You all were so faithful to bring him so much love and caring for him as much as possible.Hang on the all your good memories. I miss seeing you all every time I come to work.

Carla Mackey

April 26, 2013

Bill was very special to us at PA Peterson. I will miss seeing your family! Thank you for sharing Bill with us. He was a wonderful man & you are a wonderful family!

Julie King, RN

April 20, 2013

Our thoughts, and prayers are with you Mark, and your family. I have been thinking of you all week, and I know that your father is in a better place. If you need ANYTHING, do not hesitate to call us.

Mike & Martha LaMantia

April 19, 2013

Hi John, Sorry to hear and know. You and your Mother were so steadfast to ease your Fater's long, last walk. I know. JIM PLATE

April 18, 2013

Bill will be missed by all that new him. He was an inspiration to those that worked with and around him. I had the pleasure of knowing him as I worked at Ipsen Ceramics and our paths crossed several times. He was a very possitive person. THANKS BILL

Jerry Heise

April 17, 2013

our thoughts and prayers are with the Nicholas family

Denny & Evie Johnson

April 17, 2013

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