Rodney D. "Rod" Nicholson

1944 - 2018

NEWTON-Nicholson, Rodney "Rod" D. 74, of Newton, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, September 1, 2018, from battling brain cancer. He was born on April 2, 1944, in Wichita, KS to the late William "Bill" and Marie (Roof) Nicholson. Rod was a proud graduate of Maize High School. He then went on to Kansas State University where he achieved a degree in the field of Electrical Engineering and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation, Rod began his career with Kansas Gas and Electric in Wichita which eventually brought him and his family to Newton. In 1981, he began working at Prestressed Concrete, Inc., where he ultimately became President. He retired from Prestressed in 2017. Rod was an avid outdoorsman where he loved to hunt and fish, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Those of us who were blessed to know Rod will remember him for his generosity and sense of humor where he always had a joke to tell or a story to spin. Rod was a true Kansas State Wildcat, he enjoyed spending time at the KSU football games cheering on the Cats, with his fellow Golden Cat members as he played during his college years from 1962-1966. Rod is survived by his wife ,Margry Anne Nicholson; daughters, Staci (Scott) Kring, Sara (Patrick) Kraus; and son, Marc (Ranee) Nicholson; Stepsons, Brian (Amber Jo Wilson ) Webb, Ben (Amy) Webb; Stepdaughters, Blair (Erik) Putroff; Grandchildren ,Skyler and Spencer Kring, Chloe, Emerson, and Harrison Kraus, Jacob, Joshua and Joseph Nicholson, Rochelle Webb, Ava and Landon Webb Kara Klenda, Michael and Lucas Putroff; Great Grandchildren, Bradley Klenda; Cindy Nicholson, the mother of his children; sister, Marge Thompson; sister-in-law, Rena Woodard, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marie Nicholson; brother, William Nicholson; and brother-in-law, Dale Thompson. In addition to the celebration of life, there will be a graveside service at Maize Cemetery (12733 W. 53rd St N., Maize, KS) on Nov. 24 at 4:00PM with reception following at Eberly Farm. Online condolences may be shared at www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com or www.caringbridge.org. In lieu of flowers and gifts. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society of Kansas. We would like to extend our thanks to family, friends, Right at Home, and Hospice for the tremendous support during this difficult time.