Rev. John H. Nicolai

Pastor Nick and Lorraine got us started on our foreign travels. If we wouldn´t have had such a wonderful couple as guides, we probably wouldn´t have ended up traveling on 18 more foreign trips. We miss their lovely smiles.

We met Pastor Nick and Lorraine as traveling guides in 2000. Having been brought up by a German family, we were taught to give our utmost respect to the clergy. Nick and Lorraine were the friendliest most common people around. After returning from one of our trips, we met them and I hugged Lorraine. Nick said, “ How about a hug for me?” I was amazed. We miss these two lovely people.

I missed John on his last visit to Orland, California in 2007 and was looking to make amends for that error. Back in history, 1946, John was headed to school in Washington state and hooked a ride with me in my cattle truck, went as far as Yreka, California where I dropped him off, to continue his journey. We were very close as members of the Luthern Church here, through catechism class and all schools, grades 1 through 12. John was my helper to be the Vice President of the Orland High School in 1941-42, never stopped pushing, I needed that. Sort of lost track of John during the war years but do have fond memories of him. He and his wife are gone but not forgotten.

I have such wonderful memories of Pastor Nic at Trinity! Youth Choir, Luther League, confirmation classes, our choir's trip to Seattle...He was truly a gifted man and had such a warm and giving heart. To his family - God bless and keep you strong.

Dear Family of Pastor Nick and Lorraine,
We extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on your great loss.But we know they're in that room which Jesus said he had prepared for them.
We were members of Trinity from 1950 to 1966, so we knew your parents and loved them. Pastor Nick was with us when we lost our little son in 1958. He helped us through that difficult time and the months and years that followed. Our memories are special of both your parents. They leave a wonderful legacy of joyful living, praying and living life to the fullest. We know you will have chuckles mixed with the tears as you grieve your loss. May God bless all of you.

We are so very sorry about your loss. We have fond memories of Pastor coming into the store and having his copies made! He was a wonderful example of God's love and our condolences are with you all in your parents passing.

Words cannot express the sadness I felt when I learned of Pastor & Mrs. Nicolai's passing. I have many fond memories of them that I will always cherish.

I send strength and courage to you: Renee, Randy, David, Steven, Susan and your extended families. May you
find some form of comfort in knowing that your sweet
parents are together. I believe that a Divine Power
played a part in their deaths, just as He did in their
lives. My sincerest, most sincerest, condolences,
thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Brock Family

Pastor Nick and Lorraine were two of the most special people that we have ever met. We became friends when they were tour guides in 2000 for our Imperial Europe tour. We continued touring with them to Alaska and then our all time favorite, South America. There were only ten people on the South American trip and close friendships were formed. God bless. We shall miss you.

Dear Nick, Our sincerest sympathy to you, your sisters, brothers, and all the family. We were blessed to have visited with your parents several times in Pullman, to have had our paths cross over the years in Christian fellowship as your father wrote in our guest book. May God keep you as the apple of his eye and in the shadow of his wings. Pax.

Rev. Nicolai married us in 1960.

John & Lorraine Nicolai: Good, Dear Friends


“Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there”

John Nicolai and I were lifelong friends. We were born and raised in Orland, CA, living about five blocks apart. We were inseparable play pals and our adventures ranged from digging a cave clubhouse in the lot next to his house to joining Boy Scout Troop 4 where we were in the Rattlesnake Patrol. John reminded me of “this” when he and Lorraine visited me several times in Mayo Hospital/Scottsdale where I was recovering from heart surgery. John presented me with a small ceramic rattler (which still stands on display in my home). More importantly, he and Lorraine spiritually lifted me through a 40-day hospitalization with their visits.

Wintering in Mesa, AZ, for years with their fifth-wheeler trailer, John and Lorraine shared each year many wonderful times. We would meet at a Mesa German restaurant, and they would order sauerbraten and share our current life experiences as well as reminisce about all our past ones, always centering around family and friends. We recently discovered another Orlander, Betty Landon Summerfield, and brought her into our “fold.” John, with Lorraine at his side, did a good bit of church work while in Mesa each year by calling on homebound Lutheran members and participated in occasional sermons at their church.

Lorraine was the perfect mate for John. She was kind, loving, supportive and always helpful in recalling places and dates relating to their many travel adventures.

All will remember John who used humor in his presentations and conversations. I tried to keep him supplied with clever “things” I’d come across from time to time. We were so looking forward to their ’08 return to AZ , which was to be in mid-November, and so saddened to learn of their accident and resulting deaths.

John and Lorraine will remain in our hearts and minds forever. I’m sure they will enjoy a special spot in heaven for all the wonderful work they did here on earth. As they always “signed off” on emails: “God Bless”!

Vernon (& Nadine) Squier
Scottsdale, AZ

So sad to hear of Pastor Nick and Lorraine's tragic passing! They were both a great influence in my life through all the youth activities at Trinity (I grew up in Bis). Wonderful people! Hard enough to lose one parent at a time; how horrible to lose both at once. My thoughts any prayers are with you all. Lynne (Helfenstein) Haakenson

Having grown up in Orland, California, I have known John for many years. I have met Lorraine and feel so sad about their deaths. My wife Corrie and I wish to express condolences to their family.

Words cannot accurately reflect how anyone who was touched by Pastor Nicolai and his dear wife Lorraine feel at this time. Words seem so inadequate and hollow. I was baptized by Pastor Nicolai in October of 1976. I was born on August 8, 1976. Several times as a child I was quite ill and was comforted by the love and compassion of Pastor Nicolai and Pastor Hendrickson. All that I can do is thank God for their love and comfort during difficult times in my life. I greatly admire our Nation's 16th. President Abraham Lincoln and in the past days have referred to a quote from him, "Sorrow comes to all...Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You can not now realize that you ever will feel better... and yet...You are sure to be happy again. I last spoke with Pastor Nick in early August at the Banquet at Trinity. I am now a College Professor at Rasmussen College in Bismarck. All that I can say is that I am saddened by the events of last week; however I am forever greatful for having known Pastor Nicolai the way that I did. He expressed how prowd he was of me for obtaining my graduate education and becoming a college level faculty member. I will never forget the last time I spoke with him. I know that I will see him and Lorraine again in Glory. I am comforted by his words and John 3:16; For God so love the world that he who believe shall not perish but have eternal life. Pastor Nicolia and Lorraine; Thank You for all that you have done for me and my family. Pastor Nick, I am eternally greatful that you Baptized me. I wish I could do more. God Bless you, Lorraine and your family during this time.

To the entire Pastor Nick family:
I am very sorry to here about your parents sudden passing. I grew up with your dad as my minister until I moved away from Bismarck in the 80's. I have lots of fond memories of both your parents, your dads unquie sense of hummor and your moms great baking. They will be greatly missed.

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I was so shocked to learn of this tragic incident. Pastor Nikolai was such a wonderful and caring man. I didn't have the opportunity to meet Lorraine but, just knowing Pastor John I know she was just as wonderful and caring as he was. God has called them home earlier than what we wanted. When we look to the stars and see them twinkle we can feel at ease knowing it is their eyes always watching over us. God rest your souls John and Lorraine. Linda Katsoulis Bismarck ND

It is with great saddness when my sister Alva Townsend called me with the news. He was always kind of my hero and tried to keep me on the straight and narrow. He was also one of the main reasons I graduated from Concordia College as he thought it would be good for me and it was. He will be greatly missed but, look what he left behind with all the people he helped find their way. Thank you John for all the help and all your patience. To your family just do half of what your parents did and you will make your mark. God Bless.

So sorry to hear of the tragedy. Blessings of the Lord be upon all of your family. We have fond memories of John and Lorraine when we lived in Bismarck and served at Faith. Gerald & Clare Mertz

Nicolai Family,
Reverand John and Lorraine will be missed by the many whose paths and lives were touched by an impacting smile, word of encourage-ment, or helping hand...I being one of them. Today, as I think of them, I see them walking hand-in-hand, smiling as they are greeted by those who they once had encouraged here on earth.
May the Lord comfort you during this time of loss.

Dear Randy, Renee, Susan, and Steve,
I am thinking of you all, daily, with deepest sympathy in the loss of your parents. All of the years at Trinity, in Luther League, and as friends at school fill me with so many memories of your family. There is no means of measuring all that your parents, and you as a family growing up with us, have given to our lives and who we are today. No loss was ever shared more deeply by so many. it has been my privilege to have known your parents and to have been enriched in my life by Pastor Nick's sermons and confirmation classes, and perhaps even more by the lives he and your mother gave in everyday service and love, in living their lives as they did. My love and sympathy to you all, and to your families.

Our family was shocked and saddened to hear the news. We were so blessed to have both of them attend our fathers 80th birthday party 3 years ago. It was such a nice suprise.
We had a moment of silence for them at our fathers service on Thursday. We will never forget all the wonderful years at Trinity.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The Weisser Family...

To the Children and Grandchildren of Pastor Nick and Lorraine.
We are very saddened to learn of your parents sudden death. They always were such a team, so though such shocking news, it seems only appropriate that they go to meet their Heavenly Father together. I was confirmed by your Dad and only in the last few years did I meet your Mom. When my father moved to a memory care unit in Bismarck, your Dad and sometimes your Mom as well visited my Dad. Your Dad's dry humor and your Mother's gentleness touched my Dad's heart. When our Dad passed away two years ago, both your parents were right there to comfort us. My sister and I will always have that wonderful memory as they wrapped their arms around us. As the story goes - "they were one of a kind" and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may your memories remain in your hearts forever.

I was so sorry to hear of your parents' tragic deaths. I just spoke with them a couple times at Bismarck breakfasts here in Mesa, AZ last winter. I moved from Bismarck a couple years ago, but our families were familiar, and I thought your folks were always such cheerful people. They will be greatly missed. God's care will give you peace, and you will be comforted by wonderful memories.

We were saddened to hear the news of John and Lorraine's deaths, but rejoice to know that they are safe forever in the arms of Jesus. Please accept our sympathy and prayers for the entire family. John and Lorraine spoke of all of you often, so we feel like we know each of you as well as Renee , who we do know. We traveled to Australia, Russia and Alaska with them, as well as visiting them in Bismarck, Mesa and Saugus. Yes, we enjoyed John's timely quips along the way----he's probably entertaining many in Heaven!!! And Lorraine was such a great partner and organizor for all our trips. A wonderful hostess with the gift of Hospitality.

P.S. Thank you two for the many nice emails that I got from you over the past several years. I always enjoyed hearing from you two.

It is a very sad day in the life of Bismarck and surrounding communities. Many hearts are heavy right now, knowing that such a wonderful man as Pastor Nick will no longer grace our presence. I have many good memories of Pastor Nick, beginning in the junior high days when kids would come over to their house after football games or other "happenings", to indulge in some of Ma Nick's hot chocolate or popcorn and play games or talk. And then the time when they came through Steamboat Springs where I lived for awhile, stayed at our campground with their pop-up trailer, and Pastor Nick would be waiting for Renee and I in the evening after we had taken a walk up the railroad tracks by my house. And of course, there are the memories of taking my grandmother to church at Trinity, finding her the hearing aids and sitting in one of the first two rows so she could see Pastor Nick giving his messages. Afterwards Pastor Nick would always make an effort to personally come over and greet Gramma before we left. And who could forget when, on the rare occasions my dad would attend church, giving Pastor Nick a mint or other piece of candy after the service (if the sermon was REAL good, Pastor Nick might even get two pieces....LOL). I also remember Pastor Nick's humor, one which he passed on to his kids. We could sit for quite a while and pass the blurbs back and forth and laugh until we hurt. So I close in saying I will miss Pastor Nick very much. It will be difficult to go by the Lion's Club booth at the Street Fair getting my ear of corn from him or wondering where he is. God's speed Pastor Nick. I will truly miss you and Ma Nick....more than you can imagine.

Renee, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the power of god's love bring you comfort!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.