Mr. Gary F. “Nick” Nicklas, age 73, of Abingdon, Illinois died 3:58 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at his home.
He was born May 26, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Frederick and Charline (Lakose) Nicklas. He married Rosemary in 1973 in Galesburg, Illinois.
Surviving is his mother, Charline Nicklas of Cedar Rapids, two sons, Gary (and Catherine) Nicklas, II of Australia and Scott (and Trisha) Olson, II of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and six grandchildren, Katelin, Darragh, Kayla, Lily, Saxon, and Brianna. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Russ Nicklas.
Nick graduated from Washinton High School in Cedar Rapids in 1968. He later attended the University of Iowa. He was a machinist for Butler Manufacturing Company for several years and later for Mid-State Manufacturing Company, both in Galesburg. He retired in 2015. He was a member of the local Steel Workers Union and A.B.A.T.E. He was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams included the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and of course the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed golfing and going to the casinos. In his free time, he loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles or reading books.
As Nick requested, cremation will be accorded. No services are scheduled. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
