David Joseph Nicolas

1949 - 2025

David Joseph Nicolas

January 6, 1949 - July 1, 2025

Dave Nicolas, 76, of Bellwood, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial, St. Peter's Catholic Church, Bellwood Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 10 a.m., Rev. Ben Holdren and Rev. Stephen Graeve, Con-Celebrants. Visitation Monday, July 7, 2025, 4 to 7:30 p.m., with 7:30 p.m., Parish Rosary, Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City. Committal, Old St. Joseph Cemetery, rural Bellwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements by Kracl Funeral Chapel of David City.

David Joseph Nicolas, 76, the son of Peter and Elma (Romshek) Nicolas, was born on January 6, 1949, in Columbus, and passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave grew up on the family farm near Rising City, Neb. He attended country school and later graduated from Rising City High School in 1967. He went on to study at United Electronics Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1970, he joined the Army National Guard, proudly serving for four years.

On September 2, 1972, Dave married the love of his life, Marilyn Osborn. Together, they made their home in rural Bellwood, Neb., where they raised their four children: Pam, Jaime, Chris, and Katie.

Farming was more than a career for Dave-it was a passion he carried from a young age. He farmed alongside his father, Pete, and eventually with his son, Chris, who carries on the legacy. Harvest time was always his favorite season.

In addition to farming, Dave drove the school bus for Bellwood and David City Schools for 25 years. He was actively involved in local sports, running the scoreboard and keeping the books for numerous basketball games in Bellwood and David City. He also enjoyed coaching several of his kids' softball and baseball teams.

Dave found great joy in attending his children's and grandchildren's events. He loved camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. A devoted Husker fan, he held season tickets to Nebraska Basketball and cheered on the Huskers in all sports. Dave and Marilyn also enjoyed traveling together, taking many trips and cruises, and spending a few winters down south with friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Marilyn; children, Pamela (Ryan) Helgoth of Garrison, Jaime (Dr. Daniel) Pachta of Aurora, Christopher (Trisha) Nicolas of Bellwood, and Katie (Tyler) Behrns of Yankton, S.D.; grandchildren, Nolan, Mason, Logan, and Keyan Helgoth, Ashley (Reid) Gustafson, Mitchell Pachta, Micah, Sadie, Colson, and Sawyer Nicolas, and Grace, Jocelyn, and Maverick Behrns; great-grandchildren, Jett and Emmett Gustafson.

Dave is also survived by his brother, Harold Nicolas; sisters, Rose (George) Pekarek and Theresa (Dave) Schroeder; brothers-in-law, Jim (Lynn) Osborn, Doug (Jeanne') Osborn, Wendell (Jonell) Osborn, and Wes Osborn; sisters-in-law, Bev Gissler and Nancy Osborn; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He will also be missed by his beloved dog, Willy.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Elma Nicolas; grandsons, Nicolas Pachta and Weston Nicolas; in-laws, Fred and Faye Osborn; sisters-in-law, Kay Lynn Nicolas and Kaye Lorraine Nicolas; and brother-in-law, Alan Gissler.

Dave's legacy of love, service, and deep devotion to family and community will continue to live on in all who had the joy of knowing him.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix hospice.