Nicholas Backhaus

MORTON – Nicholas W. "Nick" Backhaus, 84, of Charleston, S.C., passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on March 6, 1940, in Elkridge, Maryland, to Nicholas and Ruth (Sothoron) Backhaus. Nick married Pamela Maher on December 29, 1962 in Pasadena, Maryland. Surviving are his wife, Pamela Backhaus of Charleston, S.C.; three children, Denyse (Brian) Wright of Elkton, Maryland, Paul (Michelle) Backhaus of Morton, Victoria Willey of Charleston, S.C.; 12 grandchildren, Brian, David, Brandi, Anthony, Moriah, Elizabeth, Abigail, Alan, Nicholas, Nathaniel, Taylor and James; 5 great-grandchildren; step-mother, Rose Backhaus; and brother, Gary (Chickie) Backhaus. He was preceded in death by his parents. Nick worked for the United States Postal Service for 34 years. He was a percussionist and loved playing music, especially jazz and classical. Nick also enjoyed woodworking, being outdoors and gardening. Nick was thankful for his family and the time he spent with them. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and he was thankful for the 61 years of marriage he and Pam shared. A memorial service will he held for Nick at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Trinity Church in Morton, Illinois. The service can be viewed via livestream at https://trinitychurchmorton.sermon.net/main/sundayservice/20823419 Memorials may be made to Trinity Church – CRI Relief. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.