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Thomas Nikolai Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Nikolai
Sponsored by Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel.
Mary Thalheimer
May 20, 2024
Dear Carol -
It´s been over 45 years since we attended Alter High School together. Learning that Tom died in 2017 fills me with sadness and sympathy for you. One of my earliest Alter memories is of you and Tom slow-dancing to a song at a party in someone´s living room. We were only freshman or sophomores - so young - but the deep bond you shared was evident even then. You laughed together a lot and I remember thinking, "They´re going to get married someday." I´m so happy that this came to be, but so sorry that such a fairytale relationship had to end much earlier than expected. Grief is an almost impossible emotion to work through ... so painful and long. I hope your grief journey was made a bit easier by the love of your four kids.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Mary Lynn Thalheimer
Don and Teri Stemely
August 3, 2017
Carol and family,
We were saddened to hear about Toms passing. He had a kind soul, and always made time for everyone. We were blessed to have known him.
Lloyd Shoemaker
May 16, 2017
Carol, I'm not sure you remember me but Tom and I met in the mid 80's when I was working as a recruiter in downtown Dayton. We even placed Tom once. What a tremendous loss for you and your family and the Dayton community. Tom and I have stayed in touch over the years. Whenever Tom wanted more information on property or issues in Miami County, he would give me a call. Tom and I met in his office a little over a year ago to catch up on our lives. Tom was a good friend and a better family man. I will miss him and his friendship. God bless you and your children.
Leslie Osterfeld Weber
May 13, 2017
Carol:
It has been many years since our paths crossed at Alter but I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences at Tom's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Sandi Kauppila
May 12, 2017
Carol, Grace, Alex, Joe, and Claire,
Was so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. Tom was a very nice man to work for. He always did the right thing and then some. Loved watching him talked about his family. His face just lit up. Take care of yourselves and each other.
May 12, 2017
Carol and children, I first met Tom when he was 20 years old. He was one of the nicest people i had the pleasure of knowing. His great success never changed him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Norman
May 12, 2017
Carol & rest of the Dayton Nikolai family -- my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for this shocking & sudden loss. I was just visiting with the LA Nikolai cousins and we were remembering past good times. I know you will be gathering together in love and support -- and am so glad we made it back a few years ago to be with you all . . .
Love,
Marilyn Kilian
Rick Kilian
May 12, 2017
Carol, family, and cousin Nikolais:
We're so sorry for your loss, we will grieve and miss Tom as well. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family, we are remembering past "cousin" get togethers and honoring those memories in this sad time. Peace. Rick and Jenny Kilian
Ruth Brown
May 11, 2017
Hi Carole,
I simply wish there were words that could take away some of the pain and sadness for you and the family. Since life doesn't work that way I will be sending all of the warmth and kindness that I can collet to all of you. Blessing and care. Ruth Brown
May 11, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. We have known Tim and Kathryn Nikolai for over 20 years and love them like family. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and all of Tom's family and friends.
Diana and Jovy Hart
Ben & Kati Redick
May 11, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to Carol and family. Tom was a great man and will be missed. May God grant you peace during this time of mourning.
Ed Syron
May 11, 2017
My prayers and thought are with Tom's beautiful family. Didn't have honor to work with him long on Alter Board but those who did valued him at the highest levels for his integrity, honesty and commitment. So many people and students are better because of his footprint. God Bless and Thank You - Tom. Ed Syron
May 11, 2017
We are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing.
I met with Tom recently and his kindness will be missed.
We have very fond memories of Tom and our thoughts and prayers go out to Carol and the family. Mike and Melinda Thesing
Diane Wilkens Medina
May 11, 2017
Carol,
I was very saddened by the news that Tom had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Steven Moody
May 11, 2017
My condolences to Tom's family, business associates & friends. Tom will be greatly missed in the Miami Valley he has always been the ultimate professional. I am a better person for having known Tom.
May 10, 2017
I'M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOU'RE LOVE ONE. I PRAY YOU FIND COMFORT AND STRENGTH IN THE LORD. I PRAY THAT YOUR LOVE ONE MAID A PEACEFUL TRANSITION. MAY HIS SPIRIT, LOVE AND MEMORIES LIVE OUT THROUGH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LOVE ONES. I HOPE THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE ABLE TO STAY ENCOURAGED AND UPLIFTED. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
I'M JUST A STRANGER WHO WAS TOUCHED READING MR. NIKOLAI'S OBITUARY. I JUST WANTED TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I PRAY YOU'LL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE SOME SORT OF COMFORT DURING THIS TRYING TIME.
SHELA FLOURNOY
May 10, 2017
Dear Carol, Grace, Alex, Joe & Claire,
You have my very deepest sympathy. I hope your wonderful family memories together will bring you comfort. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Bern Melnyk
Aimee Schultz
May 10, 2017
Dear Carol,
I am heartbroken for you and your beautiful family! My thoughts and prayers go out to you all and hope that you find comfort in the memories that you shared together.
I came across this quote right before we lost a loved one, and it really hit home:
"No day shall erase you from the memory of time" Virgil
May God bless your family and bring you strength!!
Warm Regards,
Aimee Schultz
FNP Class of 2017
Rose Ann and Jim Douglas
May 10, 2017
Our condolences to the immediate and extended family of Tom Nikolai! Prayers for all.
John and Erin Schmitz
May 10, 2017
To our dear Nikolai family, We are heartbroken over the loss of my cousin Tom. We love your family very much and we have always been very grateful to you for opening your heart and home to us. We pray that each of you will know the love and warmth of Christ through the the kindness of friends and family. Tom warmly welcomed me to Dayton many years ago and it's been a joy to know all the Nikolai's and their children and share in your family gatherings. Love, John, Erin, James and Peter
George and Fritzie Kilian
May 10, 2017
We were stunned to hear of Tom's passing. Carol, please accept our condolences, and we will pray for Tom and you and your family. It was always fun to get together with all the "T" Nikolais when we were young, and so glad we got to meat again during your trip to California and later at our reunion.
Kerry Wilkinson
May 10, 2017
Dear Nikolai Family,
I was heartbroken to hear of your sudden loss of your dearest family member, life partner, father, brother, and friend. It is my sincerest hope you find peace over time and remember the laughter and brightest memories as you remember Tom. Sincerely, Kerry Wilkinson, ODW Logistics.
Eric Link
May 10, 2017
I worked in the same building as Tom on Paragon Rd, he was a very nice person, whom everyone liked and respected.
May 10, 2017
Carol and children, I was so sorry to hear about Tom's death. Please know that you are all in my prayers at this most difficult time.
Fr. Bill Kramer
Greg Van Schaik
May 10, 2017
Dear Carol and family, Tim, Ted, Teri, and families,
Julie and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to you all. We enjoyed visiting with Tom and various family members at UD basketball games over the years and catching up. It was funny how we could catch up in a few minutes just from a quick story and most importantly laughter. We will miss those visit. Peace and prayers to you all.
Greg and Julie Van Schaik
Hannah Morrison
May 9, 2017
Carol, and family, I am deeply saddened and sorry for the loss of Tom. It sounds like he was a joy to be around. You are all in my thoughts and I will continually pray for your comfort and peace during this difficult time.
With love,
Hannah Morrison (OSU online FNP student)
May 9, 2017
Dear Carol & kids - We are ever so sorry in the loss of Tom, our hearts go out to all of you. May you find strength and comfort in all of your wonderful memories that you will have forever.
Carol, Nick, Tyler & Connor Poe
Erin Seidenschmidt
May 9, 2017
To the Nikolai Family our sincere condolences to you and your family.
May 9, 2017
Our sympathy to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Jane and Donna Stephens
Matt Sharkey
May 9, 2017
Carol,
I was so saddened to learn of Tom's passing. Stunned actually. Although it's been awhile, it seems like just yesterday we were battling it out during A Twilight at The Grove. I pray that those fond memories along with God's healing will help you and the kids through this difficult time that doesn't seem to make any sense. Peace and blessings to all of the Nikolais.
May 9, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers to Carol and all the Nikolai clan. We remember Tom in his younger years, with so much fun and energy and love for his brothers and sister.
Good-bye cousin, we'll be praying for you and your family.
Brian and Beth Kilian
Tony & Celeste (Schmitz) Consbruck
May 9, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Maureen Sprohge
May 9, 2017
I speak for my family - we are so very sorry for the passing of a long-time neighbor. It seems only yesterday that Klara and Grace were riding the bus to Incarnation together and trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. I am so sorry for all of you. You will be in our family's prayers.
Dave, Joanne and girls Cronin
May 9, 2017
Carol and family,
We cannot express our sympathy enough.
Tom was always so kind and considerate to our girls. We will always have the bond of golf with the Nikolai girls. We are saddened beyond words. Our prayers for all the family.
Joanne Conley
May 9, 2017
Carol and family,
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this horrible time. Tom was a truly good man and helped raise a great family. This is a tremendous loss to our whole community and of course devastating to you. Since our family recently experienced the loss of a wonderful husband and father, too, please feel free to contact me if there's anything I can do to help you through this overwhelming process - if you have practical questions regarding our experiences, or if we can do some helpful task, or just to talk with someone who is 'surviving' the heartbreak. We would love to help. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Joanne Conley and Michelle, Rachel & Nick
May 9, 2017
Dear Nikolai Family, It is with profound sympathy that we express our condolences to the entire Nikolai family. No words can provide the comfort you need during this trying time. We will keep you in our prayers and ask God to provide you strength over the coming days.
Steve and Jean Rogers
Kathy Crippen
May 9, 2017
Dear Nikolai Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family had such love between you all. And Tom's love was contagious and beautiful. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers and we are holding a space in our hearts for you.
Paul J. Nikolai
May 9, 2017
"In paradisum deducant te Angeli: in tuo adventu suscipiant te Martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem."
Fr. Chris Wittmann, SM
May 9, 2017
Dear Carol, Grace, Alex, Joe and Claire,
I am so very sorry to hear about Tom's death; such a great and terrible loss for all of you.
The best advice I have heard about dealing with such a terrible loss is this: "Don't try to be strong. Our job is not to be strong but to be weak and to let Jesus be our strength." May Christ be strength and comfort in your weakness and pain in the coming days, months, and years.
Please know that you are in my prayers, and in the prayers of the Marianist Community.
May 9, 2017
Dear Carol,
I am so sorry for you and your children's loss. You have a beautiful group of grown up children. I feel sad for the siblings as well. All the Nikolai family members are in my prayers.
Cathleen Williams Hart
Gary & Denise Binns
May 9, 2017
Nikolai Family,
Our deepest symphony to you all in the loss of Tom. He was a great man and we always enjoyed talking to him on the golf course and through Alter HS activities. Many prayers and Love to you all. May you feel God's comfort and peace in the days to come.
Gary and Denise Binns - McKayla and Matthew Patton
Lucy (Boerger) Gaier
May 9, 2017
Accept my Sympathy on the loss of your dear Tom. Keeping you in my thoughts , prayers and heart. You are in God's care with a special Angel always watching over you and your family.
May 9, 2017
Dear Nikolai Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Tom. Tom's upbeat and warm spirit was contagious. It was always a true pleasure to work with such an honest and trustworthy gentleman to close a real estate deal. May your fond memories of Tom comfort you at his very difficult time. May God bless you all. Goodbye my friend. Bill Kantosky,Dayton, Ohio
Susan Mueller
May 9, 2017
Our condolences on Tom's death. The Alter Community will miss him. Wishing you peace during this very sad time. Our prayers are with you.
Susan and Mike Mueller, Josh, Matt, Nick and Ben
(Josh and Nick were/are classmates of Alex and Claire at Alter)
Dennis Kilian
May 9, 2017
For Carol, kids and all my Nikolai family, we were all shocked and so saddened to hear about Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Another wonderful member of our extended family gone much too soon. We will miss him dearly. Our heartfelt condolences. Love, Dennis, Janice, Dana, Byron and Amy Kilian.
Judy Fitz
May 9, 2017
I had the honor to work for Tom at Danis.
He was a great man and will be missed.
His family was always first in his life.
Nancy Schmelzer
May 9, 2017
Grace, you and your family are in my thought and prayers. I am so sad for your loss.
Lynda Hart
May 9, 2017
I have had the privilege of working with Tom on many real estate transactions for the past decade. Not only was a hard worker, who was always at the top of his game, but he was one of the nicest guys I could ever wish to team up with. While our appointments were 99% business, that last 1% would always be a note about his family. Just from that gleam in his eyes and his bright smile, I could tell he was an exceptional family man, who put his wife and children first. Tom will be greatly missed.
Tina Ortiz
May 9, 2017
Carol, Grace, Alex, Joe & Claire,
My heart is full of wonderful memories of your family and the love he had for all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Ortiz
May 9, 2017
Carol, Grace, Alex, Joe and Claire,
My heart is full of wonderful memories of Tom. His love of your family was a part of his very fiber. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
May 9, 2017
Carol: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time of loss. Barbara Warren
Steve Zofkie
May 9, 2017
Tom's public accomplishments are many. But his private impact on so many lives are what I will always remember. A great husband, father, son, brother, friend, a great man. Carol & kids, Terry, Tim & Ted, I know this hurts now. Be comforted knowing the incredible impact Tom had on all of us. God's amazing plan for Tom's life was to take him at this time, and we respect that. Now we move forward in his memory as better people for having known him. Goodbye my friend.
Dale Gillette
May 9, 2017
My condolences to Carol and the children and to Terry, Tim and Ted. Tom will be missed.by many people. My memories of Tom go back to 1974, when his parents moved to Kettering.
Kristie Flamm
May 9, 2017
Carol & family:
We are so saddened by your terrible loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers during this most difficult time.
Mike & Kristie Flamm
Ronald Parker
May 9, 2017
I loved Tom - loved being around him, playing golf with him. He was very proud of his family and they always came first - he had his priorities right. I will miss his companionship and friendship.
Ron Parker
Andy & Judy Frey
May 9, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We will always remember Tom's beautiful smile, contagious laugh and fun loving personality. Rest In Peace friend.
Cathy McGrail Klingler
May 8, 2017
I'm so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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