Anthony J. Nikolai

Anthony "Tony" J. Nikolai 91, was called to his heavenly rest Friday, February 2, 2007 at Cedar Ridge Elder Service, Schofield under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with dementia. He was born November 25, 1915 in Montello, son of the late Joseph and Helen (Marquardt) Nikolai. On May 16, 1936 he was united in marriage to Loriena Christian at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Wausau. He was a loving and caring husband to Loriena for over 70 years. Tony accepted his illness even when it took many of his memories away. With dignity and grace he continued to love his life in the kind, thoughtful and considerate manner that he always had. Tony worked for Wisconsin Box in his earlier years and then for the Wausau Transit Lines for 36 years. He never missed a day of work in those 36 years and was never late. He instilled in each of his children a strong work ethic just like his. After Tony and Loriena retired they enjoyed dancing every weekend in many places around Wausau. They were wonderful dancers. Besides dancing he enjoyed playing sheep head, cribbage, going fishing and hunting and challenging himself to crossword puzzles but most of all Tony prided himself on his beautiful vegetable gardens that he raised. He was known by many people for his vitality, charismatic stories and witty humor. He was blessed with and enjoyed many good friends and the love of his family. Most special to Tony was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Loriena Nikolai, Weston, his children, Sandra (Jerry) Beck, Eau Claire, Ron Nikolai, Green Bay, Monica (Dan) Nest, Barbara (Gary) Bohm and Debra (Mike) Zahrt, all of Wausau, eleven grandchildren, Tom (Betty) Beck, Atlanta, Ga., Guy (Tonya) Beck, Jordan, Minn., Ron (Kelly) Nikolai Jr., Wendy Nikolai, Green Bay, Christopher (Allan Vander Velden) Nikolai, Oshkosh, Todd (Linda Beck) Nest, Scott (Tricia) Nest, Michelle (Jeremy) Jacobs, Chad (Corrie Bogumill) Bohm, Jason (Erin) Zahrt all of Wausau, Kristin (Jeremy White) Zahrt, Madison, 15 great grandchildren and two brothers, Jerry (Regina) Nikolai, Mosinee and Lawrence (Gail) Nikolai, Wausau, one sister, Josephine (Ray) Myszka, Wausau, three sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Nikolai, Wausau, Dorothy Nikolai, Merrill, Florence Nikolai, Mosinee and one brother-in-law, Leroy Carlson, Wausau. Tony is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Judy Nikolai, his siblings, Johnny, Ed, Jim, Mary, Anna and Agatha. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com Dad will be truly missed by his entire family and we all wish to acknowledge our mother for the years of selfless devotion in caring for our dad.