Photo courtesy of BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME
Hartland, Wisconsin
1931 - 2016
passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 4, 2016 at the age of 85. Preceded in death by his parents William “Bill” Joseph Nicholas and Ruby Elizabeth McEachran, and his brother, William “Bill” Alan Nicholas and his wife, Lois. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Nancy Johnson Nicholas (Hartland, WI), his loving children, Lynn Sharon Nicholas (Mequon, WI), Susan Nicholas Fasciano (Glenview, IL) and David Owen Nicholas (Lori) (Mequon, WI), seven adoring grandchildren Kathryn “Katie” Nicholas, Nicholas “Nick” Fasciano, John “Jake” Linden Clavette, Samuel “Sam” Steven Clavette, Alexander “Alex” Owen Fasciano, Joseph “Joe” Nicholas Clavette, Maxwell “Max” Owen Clavette and four grand-dogs, Maddie, Koko, Mollie, and Oliver. Dear brother of Daniel Judd Nicholas (Ruth), and brothers-in-law, Silas “Hap” Gaylord Johnson (Marie) and David Linden Johnson (Mel). Many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, dear friends and colleagues and the entire Badger Nation will lovingly remember Ab.
Born on January 24, 1931 in Rockford, Illinois, he graduated from Rockford West high school (1948), and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BS in Economics (1952) and an MBA (1955). He served in ROTC in both High School and College, serving in the Army’s Transportation Division from 1952 to 1954. Ab was a 3-year letter winner in basketball, earning two All-Big 10 team awards as well as being named to Look Magazine’s 2nd team All-American.
With a passion for investments and helping others, after working for Northwest Insurance Company and the M&I Bank, he founded the Nicholas Co. in 1967 launching his flagship Nicholas Fund in 1969, growing the company’s total assets to $5 billion under management. He also served on many civic boards. Ab was a prominent philanthropist creating the Nicholas Family Foundation, Ab Nicholas Scholarship Foundation, Church of the Atonement Foundation, Samaritan Foundation for Church and Family Wellness and the Williams Heart Foundation in addition to supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation, Nicholas Center for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, and Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens. Believing that his education and basketball career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison allowed him to be successful in life, he gave back to his alma mater by creating many scholarship opportunities, improving many facilities, serving on many boards including the Board of Regents, while cheering on his beloved Badgers.
Ab will be remembered for his sense of integrity, humility, laughter and compassion, and being a fierce competitor on the basketball court and in the investment world. He will also be remembered for his deep faith and his love and support of the Episcopal Church. Ab’s greatest gifts in life were his wife, children and grandchildren of whom he was very proud.
A funeral service will take place at 12:00 noon, Friday, August 12, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 E. Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI. A reception and visitation will follow from 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm at Westmoor Country Club, 400 S. Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI. Valet parking will be available at the church for those in need.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nicholas Family Foundation, 10309 N. River Road, Mequon, WI 53092, which will in turn distribute all donations to Ab’s favorite charitable causes.
Dear Nancy,My heart is with you and Ab. I just became aware of his passing. You will be comforted by your beautiful children. Both of you were so kind to me. I'll never let that go. Hope to see you again as to my address. Respectfully Monica.
Monica Hasslinger
July 30, 2018 | Hartland, WI
I did not know Mr. NIcholas but as a UW alumni and long time Basketball ticket holder, I wanted to say thank you for all that Mr. Nicholas has done for the University especially our beautiful Kohl Center. I will be joining many other grateful Badger fans celebrating his legacy at the game on January 12.
A Grateful Badger Fan
January 12, 2017
Dear Nicholas Family, I was sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Nicholas. I have been invested in the Nicholas Fund for many years and now it has seen me into retirement.
Loss is always difficult, my wish for the family is that your personal grief will soon turn to fond memories and good stories.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Sigardson
November 10, 2016
Dear Nicholas Family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. He was such a fine example of a great Christian man and a loving father.
I first met Mr. Nicholas back when the family lived on Pasedena Blvd. in Wauwatosa. I was a friend of Sue's from Jr. High and High School and found both Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas so welcoming to their children's friends. Mr. Nicholas carried his warm welcome all thru these many years. Whether I ran into him on the...
August 16, 2016
Dear Nancy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ab.I will always remember the good times at the Badger games and the years we had at the university.He was the truest Badger of all time.
May you an your family find peace and comfort in these difficult times.
Good Bless and take care of yourself.
Harland Carl
August 12, 2016
Nancy, Lynn, Suzy and David,
Please accept deepest sympathies and condolences from Lori and I on Abs passing. As you know, Ab and I go back over 36 years. Our scores of breakfast meetings at the Delafield Perkins were the best. We talked Badger Basketball, politics, business, family and life, covering all the bases. Mentor to be sure, but also close friend and confidant. Ab was such a gift, not only to me but to so many others. His impact will be felt over decades and generations to...
Joe Chrnelich
August 12, 2016 | Brookfield, WI
Dear Lynn, Susan and David,
My sister Nancy and I had the nicest visit with your Mom and Dad at our Father's funeral seven years ago. They hadn't changed a bit since we saw them last so many, many years ago. We reminisced about our years together on 97th Street, and how wonderful those days were.
I had the good fortune of seeing your Parents again two years ago after an 8am Sunday service at the Episcopalian Church in Jupiter. They talked so proudly of each one of their seven...
August 10, 2016
The Rehm family sends their condolences. My dad Fred always spoke very highly of Ab. My mother Rosemary sends her thoughts and prayers to your family.
Rehm
August 09, 2016 | Waukesha, WI
My deepest sympathies for your loss. May the words at Isaiah 35:5,6 give you comfort and hope in the days to come.
August 08, 2016
