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John Nikolai Obituary
New Berlin - John L. Nikolai, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23 in New Berlin, WI. He was born on February 11, 1925 in Rubicon, WI and graduated from Sevastapol High School in Door County. John served with the 82nd Airborne in the WWII European Theater and subsequently attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, graduating with a degree in Botany. He married Marian Margaret Merkel on May 30, 1953 in Milwaukee, WI, and they enjoyed 67 years together, raising seven children. John worked 25 years as an advertising manager for Hamilton Industries in Two Rivers, WI and was a dedicated member of the community serving on many city boards including the School Board and Library Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as an Eagle Scout Leader. John was an active participant in the Catholic Church his entire life. His kindness, charity, and service to others were exemplary. He is survived by his wife, Marian, his son Zachary (Betsy) Nikolai, his daughters Anne (Ray) Nikolai Kloss, Jeanne (Jose) Nikolai Olivieri, BethAnne (Robert) Heyrman, Mary (Russell) Kollmansberger, and Gretchen (Kevin Knuth) Nikolai as well as ten grandchildren and an adored great-granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his much-loved son, Stephen John Nikolai.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clarks Mills, WI on March 14, 2020. Visitation will take place from 10:30 to noon, with the mass at 12:00pm. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission or the Capuchin Community Center, both very dear to his heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Nikolai
Sponsored by Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, Inc. - Two Rivers.
5 Entries
Marion Ruelle
February 28, 2025
John was often unpredictable when driving. On occasion, if impatient, he would pass a car on the highway on the right. As a passenger, I'd close my eyes and say a short prayer. All that aside, John was always fun to discuss anything...Marion Ruelle.
Sister Mary Frances Maher
March 15, 2020
My sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of John. I remember John as a Courier at HFMMC when I was still working there. He was a kind and gentle man. I didn't realize that he was Airborne! May God give you comfort and strength in these difficult days.
marion ruelle
March 14, 2020
John and Marian were one of our dearest friends, and I am very sad to hear the news. We were close friends when we lived in Two Rivers. the night we moved from Two Rivers, they had us sleep over - our entire family of seven of us. We always enjoyed good times together, and I hope that I shall hear from the kids. Chuck died in January, 2010 and we live (I still do) in Wisconsin Rapids.
My condolences to you all. Marion Ruelle, [email protected] .
Cheryl Butz
March 14, 2020
I worked with John when he was a courier at Holy Family. Always had a nice smile and so easy to converse with. I then saw him at the Cleveland VA clinic. He was a very special person and I'm sure will be missed by many. Hugs and prayers to the family
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Jim sustman
March 6, 2020
John was truly a dedicated family man to the community. Our loss, heavens gain. Peace Jim Sustman
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Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, Inc. - Two Rivers1506 18th St, Two Rivers, WI 54241
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