Nikolai V. "Nik" Protasoff

Nikolai V. "Nik" Protasoff, 53, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, November 16, 2025 of natural causes.
He was born on June 18, 1972 in San Francisco, CA, son to Viaches Viacheslav and Judith Anne (LaFave) Protasoff. Nik graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco in 1990. In 1994, their family moved to Escanaba where his mother was born and raised. When residing in Escanaba, Nik worked at Christian Park Heath Care Center as a nurse's aide for several years. His passion was music and he was able to share his talents as a professional musician, and drum instructor for Jim's Music. He began playing the drums at the age of 14 and enjoyed his involvement with several local bands, as well as playing in the Escanaba City Band for many years. In more recent years, Nik worked as a ground's keeper for Holy Cross Cemetery.
Nik loved to sing karaoke and enjoyed participating in several plays for Players de Noc. He also was instrumental at LeCaptain's Dance Studio during their classes and productions.
Among survivors include his sister, Claire Sullivan; two brothers, Viktor Protasoff and Brett LaFave; special friend, Sue Bonno; and niece, Aryia LaFave.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gwyn Sullivan.
A celebration of life will be held at Nik's house, 320 S. 15th St., Escanaba, on Saturday, November 22nd from 2 p.m. until ?
The family respectfully requests that memorials may be directed to assist with funeral expenses by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net and using the Tribute Fund Tab. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Protasoff family.
If you were friends with Nik and his family, please spread the word and join us to celebrate his life on Saturday!
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nikolai "Nik", please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Nikolai "Nik" V. Protasoff, please visit the Tribute Fund.