Joseph Fredrick Nikolaus

Joseph F. Nikolaus 69, 1009 Urban St., Rothschild, died Sunday November 18, 2001 at Community Health Care Wausau Hospital. He was born October 6, 1932 in Milwaukee, son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Rauscher) Nikolaus. On June 24, 1953 he married Elizabeth 'Betty' Marx at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives. Joe was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict. Prior to his retirement in 1980, Joe had been employed for 20 years as an auto body mechanic in the Wausau area. He was a member of the Wausau Elk's Lodge #248, a member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus, George Schreier Council #1069, Wausau and a member and Past Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Pere Rene Menard General Assembly, Wausau. Joe enjoyed woodworking, model ship building and being with family and friends. Favorite and special to him was the time spent with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Betty, his children, Joe (Sandy) Nikolaus, Ohio, Charles (Susan) Nikolaus, Michigan, Cindy (Howard) Rogers, Rothschild, Jeff (Dina) Nikolaus, Maryland, nine grandchildren, Amy (Matt) Tignor, Patricia Torone, Joseph, Charles II, Jeffrey, Misty & Theresa Nikolaus, Dwayne & Christopher Lowe, three great-grandchildren, Kyle, Brenden and Kieran, three brothers, Charles (Idella) Nikolaus, New Berlin, Jacob (Nancy) Nikolaus and David Nikolaus, all of Milwaukee, two sisters, Mary Therese (Robert) Jatzak and Rose Marie Nikolaus, all of Milwaukee, nieces and nephews.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Robert. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday November 21, 2001 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild or the Leukemia Society. 'IN REMEMBRANCE OF A SPECIAL MAN' (Composed by his grandchildren.) Joseph Fredrick Nikolaus was a wonderful man. He was not only a loving grandfather, but a loving father to his children and grandchildren. He was always the life of the party, smiling, joking, even during his days of sickness, his hardships never stopped him from laughing or showing his true self. Though growing up wasn't easy, the obstacles he overcame, turned him into the charming, lovable old man he became known as. His jokes shall never be forgotten, nor his awesome personality. He will be missed by many and forgotten by none. He was a man of intellegence and will be continued to be loved by all.