Patrick Henry Nikolai

Patrick Henry Nikolai, age 86, of Stratford, was called to his heavenly home in the early morning hours of December 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away in the same farmhouse where he was born on August 4, 1939. His loving wife of 64 years was at his side.
Pat was the son of Joseph and Anna (Gerl) Nikolai and was a 1957 graduate of Stratford High School. On October 14, 1961, he married the love of his life, Helen Werner, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield. Together, they built a strong and hardworking family rooted in faith, tradition, and love.
Pat's first job was working at a cheese factory, although his life's passion was being a hardworking farmer. He was also a dedicated school bus driver for 50 years and later worked at Stratford Sign Company. A man of endless skills and generosity, Pat was always fixing something for someone-welding, building, repairing, or creating. He expanded the family farm by building a machine shed, pig barn, and family house addition.
A life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratford, Pat was a member of the parish council and parochial school board. For 40 years, he also served as a volunteer on the Northcentral Community Action Board where he worked to support and strengthen his community.
Pat is survived by his wife, Helen, and their children: Paul (Lori) Nikolai, Maria Nikolai (Steve Baur), Dennis (Melanie) Nikolai, Diane (Greg) Schmidt, Laura (Shane) Peterson, Elaine (Brian) Forrest, all of Stratford, and Roger (Elizabeth) Nikolai of Loyal. He was a beloved grandfather to 23 grandchildren and one step-grandson, great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way, and brother to Richard Nikolai of Colby. He is further survived by his former son-in-law, Gary Vanderhoof of Stratford, and sister-in-law, Karleen Werner of Arpin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Harold (in infancy), Clarence (Norma) Nikolai, James (Ariel) Nikolai, Lenore Hanneman, Lucille Adamus, and Jeanette (Harry) Richards; sister-in-law, Marie Nikolai; and brother-in-law, Raymond Werner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratford with Rev. Eric Mashak and Deacon Ray Draeger officiating. Pat will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearers belongs to: Isaac Nikolai, Derrick Schmidt, Dylan Peterson, Max Vanderhoof, Brooks Vanderhoof, Timothy Nikolai, and Mathew Nikolai.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Pat's name be directed to the Leukemia Society or the Alzheimer's Association.
Pat's arrangements are entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home of Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.