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Albert Owen "Ab" Nicholas

1931 - 2016

Albert Owen "Ab" Nicholas obituary, 1931-2016, Brookfield, WI

BORN

1931

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave.

Brookfield, Wisconsin

Albert Nicholas Obituary

Nicholas, Albert Owen "Ab" 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Aug. 7 to Aug. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Nicholas

Sponsored by BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME.

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Monica Hasslinger

July 30, 2018

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.

January 12, 2017

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

November 10, 2016

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

August 16, 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 Madison campus or out in the community he was always generous with his smile, his time and his conversation.

Mr. Nicholas was a great supporter of Wauwatosa East athletics. I don't think it was just because Sue was one of our sparkling Tosa East cheerleaders ! but because he so loved his family , friends and his community.

I can still hear Mr. Nicholas' voice from the stands during basketball season not being shy on giving "instructions" to the refs and our head coach. We all started to refer to him as Coach Nicholas.

May God's peace comfort you all during this time of sorrow.

Dave Schmidt
Brookfield, WI

August 12, 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

Joe Chrnelich

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 come. Somehow Badger games won't seem the same without his head and bright smile above the crowd weaving through the Badger faithful, graciously saying hello to all wanting a word. Successful, humble, kind, positive, supportive and wise are words that come to mind when describing Ab. Make no mistake about it though, his greatest source of pride and success was his family. He loved delivering the family update report during our meetings. Although no longer with us physically, his spirit remains. Rest assured you will notice his finger prints everywhere and everyday, producing a warm smile of memories on your face. That will be Ab letting you know he's still here. To Ab; God speed old friend. I will miss you but also see you later. Your Pal Always, Joe #50

August 10, 2016

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 grandchildren. Your Father was dressed in a suit and tie to attend church, and I suspect that was the Sunday norm for him. He must have been a man of strong discipline and great faith all his life.

My heartfelt condolences to the three of you and to your lovely Mother.

Susan Callan Young
Elm Grove, Wi

Rehm

August 9, 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.

August 8, 2016

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 8, 2016

One of the best investment decisions made in my career was the recruitment of Ab to join the investment division of the Northwesten National Insurance Co. Not only did Ab become a leading investment manager, but it was the quality of his character that set him apart. He will be missed by all who knew him and by those whose lives he impacted through his generosity
Our condolences to Nancy, Lynn, Sue,David and the extended Nicholas family
Bill Johnson, former EVP NN Insurance Co, retired chrm. National Investment Services of America

Pam Bredeson

August 8, 2016

I was Ab's secretary for a few years back in the early 1980s. It was a privilege to work for such an honorable man who never had a bad word to say of anyone. His humility and sense of caring for all people only made it that much more of an honor to work for him. I am relieved to know that his passing was peaceful and my heart goes out to Nancy, Lynn and the rest of the family for their deep loss.

William Brouse CAE

August 8, 2016

I had the very good fortune to have office space in downtown Milwaukee at the same time
Ab was located there.I saw him fairly often
and like so many others was always very
impressed with his great work ethic, integrity, success and above all, his great
respect for so many of us who knew and appreciated him as, kind and generous
human being. He is already greatly missed.
Wm Brouse CAE, Brookfield, CEO (retired) of
the state trade association for savings and
loan associations and savings banks.

August 8, 2016

To Ab's family, especially his kids, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I know how special your Dad was to you.

Jan (Zempel) Priebusch
From "the neighborhood" and Tosa East

tom poehls

August 7, 2016

Dave Nicholas & Family,

I met your father in the mid 1970's while working in the investment community. In the many years that followed, I cannot think of negative comments ever coming from your dad--it was a joy to spend time with him. Whenever he could talk basketball, he would do so, forever a "Badger".
My sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your father.

Tom Poehls
(Merrill Lynch, retired)

Steve and Penny Baker

August 7, 2016

I feel lucky to have known Ab and the Nicholas family since I was a kid growing up in Wauwatosa.
Words really can't describe what an incredible man he was. I will never forget his set shot in basketball and his love of Badger athletics and a UW education. Without a doubt the most humble man I have ever known.
Our deepest sympathies to the Nicholas family.

Tony Canonie

August 7, 2016

Ab was simply a wonderful human being. Such amazing success in athletics, business and as a family man. He always made those of us, blessed to know him, feel important and relevant. His positive attitude, and unparalleled generosity were both admired and contagious. For all of his accomplishments, I think his humility defined his life.
I once stated to a small group that Ab was an All American in basketball at the University of Wisconsin. Ab quickly said, "well, only one year" !!
I think that defines his remarkable humility more than anything. I will miss him very much. My sincere condolences to Nancy and the entire Nicholas family.

Susan Buhrow Durocher

August 6, 2016

I am incredibly sorry for the loss of Ab. My dad always enjoyed getting together with him and his other Sigma Chi brothers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy Randall

August 6, 2016

So sorry for such a great loss. He did so much for so many. Praying for all of you at this difficult time. May God bless you all.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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Memorial Events
for Albert Nicholas

Aug

12

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Westmoor Country Club

400 S. Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI

Aug

12

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

914 E. Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI

Funeral services provided by:

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

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