Gerald NIKOLAUS's Obituary
Gerald Nikolaus, age 76, of Sussex WI., formerly of Oshkosh, died Tuesday February 22, in Sussex WI. He was born in Oshkosh on August 27, 1944 the daughter of the late Jacob and Marie Bartow Nikolaus. Jerry married Rita Pondo on May 25, 1990.
Jerry is survived by two sons; Aaron, Crest hill IL., Joseph, Waterford WI., two daughters; Anastasia (Rich) Nikolaus-Ross, Crest Hill IL., Emily (Brandon Buettner) Nikolaus, Chicago IL., three grandchildren; Zoey Katherine, Ethan Cale, Leah Susan Foss, three brothers; David (Donna), Maryland, Dennis (Joyce), Oshkosh, Kevin (Janette) Nikolaus, Auburn WA, and one sister; Jaqueline Nikolaus of Madison WI. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Gerald Nikolaus was a proud graduate from Lourdes High School, the class of 1963. He went on to get his bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 1968. Jerry served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, serving as Chief of Section Fire Direction Center with the 1st Battalion 30th Field Artillery unit, the “Hard Chargers.” He was at LZ Carolyn when it was assaulted by VC soldiers on 5 MAY 1969. After his honorable discharge, Jerry became a civil servant working in the Department of Labor and then the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission. He would close his career working in the White House for the office of the Vice President’s National Performance Review.
Upon retirement, Jerry coached Lacrosse and Field Hockey for both Arrowhead High School and Kettle Morraine High School.
Jerry’s life was remarkable and he will be sorely missed by those who were lucky to know him.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?