Nicholas Colling

1935 - 2018

Nicholas Colling

De Pere - Nicholas Delano Colling, 83, De Pere, passed away on September 14, 2018 at Bellin Hospital. On February 26, 1935, he was the last of ten children born to Christ and Cora (Sachs) Colling on their farm in the Seymour/Isaar area. As a young man, Nicholas served in the army and was stationed in Germany. His time there cemented his interest in old time music, German culture, and traveling, venturing on many European trips throughout his lifetime.

When he arrived home after active duty, Nicholas wed Beverly (Geyer) on May 11, 1957 at St. Willebrord Church. They raised four children and lived in De Pere. Nicholas drove semi-truck for SuperValu for over 40 years, earning the first award for two million safe driving miles in their history. In the truck, relaxing at home, or out at festivals, he listened to German, Czech, and Polish music, Lawrence Duchow being his favorite musician and "The Red Raven Polka" being his favorite tune. He was also a musician himself and joined the Green Bay Accordion Club.

When he wasn't working, Nicholas enjoyed fishing and hunting. An ambitious gardener, he nurtured a fruit orchard and flower gardens. Lilies, begonias, and peonies were his favorite flowers. At least twice a year, he brought family and friends together to eat his delicious homemade chicken booyah, which took days to prepare and was fired in an outdoor cast iron kettle. His Steinbach nutcracker collection decorated his home for all holidays and celebrations. He had a wide variety of interests and cherished the friends that he made through each one. He enjoyed sharing his passions with others.

Nicholas will be missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Debra (Randall) Thiele of De Pere; his son, Daniel Colling (Helen Seiltz) of Pulaski; his daughter, Sherlene (Timothy) Karcz of De Pere; and his son, Lawrence (Debi) Colling of De Pere. He is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Trisha (Jake) Van de Hei, Benjamin Thiele, Josephine (Luke) Aumann, Rachel Karcz, Neal Colling, Katarina Colling, Annabella Colling, Marissa Van de Hei, and Grant Van de Hei. Additionally, he is survived by three brothers-in-law, Walter (Anna) Geyer, Donald (Audrey) Geyer, and Donald Wagner. Further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Nicholas is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his siblings, Esther Price, Leonard Colling, Alice Treptow, Robert Colling, Theresa Sievert, Gertrude Zuleger, Franklin Colling, Frances Krueger, and Mildred Bohm; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Wagner and Donna St. Thomas; and one great-grandchild, Tyler Thiele.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. 10th St., De Pere, on Tuesday Sept. 18th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm concluding with a prayer service. Join his family at his funeral mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1307 Lourdes Avenue, De Pere on Sept. 19th for 9:00am visitation until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am with Father Benny Jacob O. Praem. officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.

Nicholas's family would like to thank the staff at Age Well Assisted Living, Rennes Rehabilitation, Bellin Hospital, and Unity Hospice for all of the wonderful care and companionship they provided him.