Anthony "Nick" Kool

Anthony "Nick" Kool, 70, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Anthony Nick Kool was born on February 28, 1955, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Anthony Frederick and Lillian Ruth (McBeth) Kool. He grew up in Oskaloosa and graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1973. On September 13, 1975, Nick was married to Melanie Melcher Hirl and to this union two children were born. Although the marriage later ended, the couple remained good friends.
On February 26, 1983, Nick was united in marriage to Cindy Wagoner in Oskaloosa. The couple moved to Nebraska in 1985. Nick worked for many years as a salesman in the food industry. He was very dedicated to his work and his customers. Through the years, Nick was very involved in the sport of boxing. He was a Golden Gloves champion and later trained many students in boxing. As with his work, Nick was known for his dedication and intensity in training. He was quite the prankster, an excellent storyteller, had a contagious laugh and he was a good, long-time friend to many. Nick enjoyed his cars, especially his Corvette, he also enjoyed Iowa Hawkeye sports, especially football and wrestling, but his greatest passion was his grandchildren.
Nick is survived by his wife Cindy Kool of Columbus, NE; daughter: Katie (Jason) Thomas of Oskaloosa, Iowa, grandchildren: Nicholas, Tierney, Brett, Joey and MaryKate; son: AJ (Sarah) Kool of Oskaloosa, Iowa, grandchildren: Aubree and Grady; son: Nathan Kool of Columbus, Nebraska, grandchildren: Harper, Max and Halsey; daughter: Lacey (Eric) Scholl of Columbus, Nebraska, grandchildren: Liam and Mila; a brother, Roy (Terri) Kool of Oskaloosa, Iowa; a sister, Brenda (Jeff) Ryan of Rochelle, Illinois and niece and nephews.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents: Anthony and Lillian Kool
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Gass Haney Funeral Home (2109 14th Street) in Columbus, Nebraska, with Reverend Adam Lassen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until service time, at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.