Gary "Pickles" Nicholson

Gary "Pickles" Nicholson, of Deerbrook, died on February 16, 2026 at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston. He was 71 years old. He was born on August 26, 1954 in Antigo, a son of the late Oscar and Dorothy (Drake) Nicholson and Lavonne Steinbach. He married Shelly Jankowski on December 28, 1996 in Antigo.

He was a graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1972. Pickles served in the United States National Guard. He worked with his brother Dave at Dave Nicholson Construction. Pickles worked for the City of Antigo street department in public works. He also worked for Marty's Shell Towing in Antigo.

Pickles played baseball growing up, and enjoyed softball as an adult. He loved going camping, ice fishing, deer hunting, side by side trail riding, snowmobiling, off road racing, and attending tractor pulls. Pickles walked a wide path in life, and forged many good friendships.

In addition to his wife of 29 years, survivors include son, Matthew (Rachel Fredericksen) Nicholson of Antigo; daughter, Hailey Nicholson of Deerbrook; grandchildren, Seth Preuss of Sheboygan, Ethan Fredericksen of Antigo, and Boston Nicholson of the Town of Rolling; five brothers, David (Rita) Nicholson of Deerbrook, Greg (Bonnie) Nicholson, Doug Nicholson, Jim VerHagen, and Carl Steinbach all of Antigo; four sisters, Peggy McGeshick of Mole Lake, Nancy Nicholson, Donna Nelson, and JoAnn (Blake) Schroeder all of Milwaukee; mother-in-law, Janice Jankowski of the Town of Rolling; two brothers-in-law, Roger (Pam) Jankowski of the Town of Rolling and Jassen (Cathy) Jankowski of Summit Lake; best friend, Jerry Gilliard of Merrill; two beloved grand-pups, Ginny and Willow; and is further survived by many nieces, nephews and great friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Cody Nicholson; sisters, Sharon Engevold, Barbara Steinbach, and Lori Steinbach; brother, Dennis Nicholson; father-in-law, Eugene Jankowski; brothers-in-law, Mike Brower, Dave Nelson, John Spencer, Jim VerHagen, Carl Steinbach, Jerry Engevold Sr., and Mike King; and nephews, Billy Nicholson, Daniel Nicholson, Jerry Engevold Jr., and Kasey McGeshick.

Burial will take place at Forest View Cemetery in the Town of Vilas at a later date.

Honoring Gary's wishes no formal services will be held. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Details to be released here at a later date.

A special thank you to family and many friends that visited Gary in the last few weeks. He enjoyed reminiscing and all the laughs. He was loved by many.