Charles E. Nicolaus

1948 - 2015

Charles E. Nicolaus
1948 - 2015
Charles E. Nicolaus of Boise passed away Thursday, October 8, 2015 at the Veterans Hospital in Boise, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born to Emil and Bertha Nicolaus on October 29, 1948 in Eagle, Idaho. Charlie grew up in Eagle, mowing lawns and delivering papers. His love of cars and motorcycles came from helping in his dad's garage and later working at the Eagle Chevron. He graduated from Meridian High School and attended Boise College, studying Electronics and Drafting. This is where he met his wife, Kathy. He joined the Air Force from 1969-1973 and became a loadmaster and flew on C130's and 141's in and out of Vietnam.
Charlie married Kathy Meiners in 1971. They had two wonderful children, Angela and John.
In 1986, he joined the Idaho Army Guard and was a maintenance instructor. He was a member of the Honor Guard for 13 years. He retired from the guard in 2008 and started volunteering at the Idaho State Veterans Home.
Charlie loved skiing from a young age. He and his sister rode the bus to Bogus Basin for lessons. He was hooked. He instilled his passion for skiing and snowboarding in his children and granddaughter. He was always the first one called when something needed to be repaired.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Angela (Joel) Thomas; son, John (Amber) Nicolaus; granddaughter, Jordin Joy; and a grandson coming in December; sister, Coralee (Ralph) Engel; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Terry and Ginger Meiners; nieces, Staci (Chris) Hitzke, Jennifer and Julie Pirtle; nephews, Kirby (Kristi) Meiners, Joe (Melissa) Pirtle; and six great nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at the Veterans Cemetery on November 6, 2015 at 11:00 AM.