Feb. 15, 2021. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church. Dear son of the late Jack and Arlene Nickolai of Kenosha, Wisconsin; beloved husband of 44 years to Beatrice Nickolai (nee Beuttenmuller); loving father of Rev. John Nickolai, Kevin (Monica) Nickolai, Daniel (Monica) Nickolai, Annie (Ryan) Cross, and Michael (Megan) Nickolai; loving grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

After graduating from St. Louis University with his Ph.D. in American Studies, Tom began his academic career teaching history at Cardinal Glennon College and then became Director of Academic Advising at Webster University.

Tom's generous spirit and sense of humor enlivened everyone around him.

Services: Out of loving concern for our family and friends, the Mass of the Resurrection at lncarnate Word Catholic Church will be private. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. ln lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's honor may be made to St. Louis Priory School.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Homeosfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Feb. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Nickolai

26 Entries

Edward Cazzola

February 17, 2025

Tom was a grat guy. I was his roomate at Rgis College, and he was always outgoing, friendly and helpful. May the Lord be with him

louis Chiara

June 21, 2024

He and I were classmates and friends at Regis U in Denver, CO. I last spoke with him perhaps five or six years ago. He was a fine gentleman and a good friend. I just learned of his passing and regret that I am sending this so belatedly. My sincere sympathy to his family. Louis Chiara, MD

Donna Campbell

March 4, 2021

Tom was committed to the students of Webster University, and to its mission. He was a patient and consummate listener, and understood the needs of students and members of the University community. His advice was truly valued by students, staff, and faculty.

Gwyneth Williams

February 19, 2021

Tom was a beloved member of the Webster U community. He taught several history classes in our department, and his colleagues greatly respected him. My sympathies to his loved ones. Rest in peace, Gwyneth Williams, History/Political Science department.

Dominik Jansky

February 18, 2021

We're so sorry to hear this sad news! I've missed seeing Tom on campus since he retired, and the little reminder of our shared connections, which are part of the fabric of my family. I hope there is some small comfort in this glimpse of the many lives he touched. Lisa's and my thoughts are with you all.

Joe Schuster

February 18, 2021

I was fortunate to work with Tom for many years at Webster University, where he always struck me as having a sincere dedication to students; he gave so much to them. They and the entire university community were blessed by his presence and his enormously generous spirit. To his entire family, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Sean Coleman

February 18, 2021

Toom was a wonderful friend and colleague at Webster. I remember making a point to stop by and see him each time I was in town to catch up on the latest but also to gain his deep insight into advising and Webster. I saw him last just shortly before he retired. I have thought of him many times in these past few years. He had a tremendous soul and spirit. He will be missed by many for years.

Carol Pearce

February 18, 2021

Dr. Nickolai was so helpful to me as a new advisor when first starting at Webster. He continued to be an invaluable source of campus academic history and we often turned to him for his knowledge and advice at our KC Metro campus. He was never too busy to give advice and assistance--just a wonderful person! I will dedicate my Rosary today for the repose of his soul and for comfort for his family. May he be at rest in heaven with Jesus.

Beth Sims Webster University

February 18, 2021

Nickolai Family - I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. I worked for him in the Academic Advising Office at Webster. If there was one thing I will ALWAYS remember about Tom, it was his LOVE for his family. I felt like I knew each and every one of you, however only having ever met Bebe. He was an extremely proud Husband, Dad, and Grandfather who talked about your family or shared pictures any chance he got. His face just lit up when there was a story to share. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time, he will be greatly missed.

Christina Gilbert

February 18, 2021

Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Tom. I am happy to say that I knew him, although we were not close, I will always remember him fondly as he had a positive impact on my life and my work. He was certainly a special soul and will forever be a part of the Webster family. I will keep all of his loved ones in prayer.

Raja and Margie Muthukumaru

February 18, 2021

Bebe, sending our condolences to you and family on this great loss. May you be comforted by the loving memories of your lives together. Peace, Raja and Margie Muthukumaru

Kathy Marlock

February 18, 2021

I respectfully offer my warmest condolences to the Nicolai family and to all who knew Tom as a friend. I greatly valued, respected and appreciated, Tom, as a good colleague, associate and as one of my Webster friends. He helped me understand the history of the university and he also helped shape, and strengthen, the evolution of Webster University, through his respect for policies, his concern for people, and his caring guidance that positively influenced the future of countless individuals. It was a privilege to serve alongside; and, I am grateful for the smiles he shared. May comfort, peace, and grace, be with all. Warmly,

Katherine O'Connor

February 18, 2021

Dear Nickolai Family, I am so, so sorry. I worked many an evening with Tom in Academic Advising. He was a great mentor and boss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Michelle Loyet

February 18, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing, he was my first colleague at Webster. My deepest condolences to the Nickolai Family, all of whom I felt I knew thanks to Tom's stories of all his children and their adventures.

Tammy Gocial

February 18, 2021

Bebe - Sending warm hugs to you and your family as you navigate the loss of your most beloved. You were such a great team and I truly felt your bond when I was with you! Peace and blessings to you all.

Dorothy & Steve Podry

February 18, 2021

Never met Tom and Beatrice, but they must have been and still are an outstanding Catholic family you would enjoy belonging to as evidenced by the character of their son, Father John Nickolai.

Thuy Kneezel

February 17, 2021

Dear Nickolai Family, I´m so sorry. I´m praying for you all in this terrible grief of losing Tom. I will miss him so much. He was my dear friend, boss, mentor and fellow Scrabble player during my 14 years at Webster. Knowing him was one of the greatest gifts of my time there.

Bob and Donna Hillermann

February 17, 2021

Bebe,we didn´t get together a lot, but every time we did Bob and I talked about how lucky Monica was to have family as lovely as Tom and you!

David Ernst

February 17, 2021

Bea, I was saddened to learn of Tom's passing. I always enjoyed our meetings and his primary concern was taking care of you. Words are inadequate and I pray comfort for you and your family.

David Ernst
[email protected]

Kyle McCool

February 17, 2021

My sympathies to the Nickolai family during this difficult time. Tom will always be remembered as a member of the Webster family, and will be missed.

Fr. Gregory K

February 17, 2021

Please accept prayerful condolences at this time of Dr. Nickolai’s transition to God’s embrace promised in Baptism. As a student at Cardinal Glennon College, Dr. Nickolai was inspirational and loved history. His passion opened the eyes of students and his inimitable phrases and gestures endeared him to all. He always wanted his students to excel and learn. His father-in-law shared the same passion for students. His years were to few for all and cannot imagine the loss and painful missing you know at this time. Thank you Mrs. Nickolai, Fr. John and family for an amazing husband and dad you shared with a generation or two of seminarians while he was at Cardinal Glennon College in the classroom.

Karen Freeman

February 17, 2021

So many memories of Tom who I worked with for almost 20 years. He touched so many lives.

jim Sindel

February 17, 2021

A very nice man. Knew him at St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

Dcn. Allen Boedeker, CGC '78

February 17, 2021

My sincere condolences to all of Dr. Tom's family and friends. I have many fond memories of his college classes. He brought history alive.

Fred Weiersmueller

February 16, 2021

Rev. John Nickolai, My condolences on the death of your father. I will pray for you and your family. Fred Weiersmueller, parishioner at St. Rose Phillipine Duchesne Catholic Church.

Terry and Carol O’Neil

February 16, 2021

Fr. Nickolai,
We send you and your family our deepest sympathy and prayers,
Terry and Carol O’Neil

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