Dr. Michael T Nicholson
Passed away on April 30, 2023
Dr. Michael T. Nicholson, Ed.D.76, Beloved husband of the late Jeane (nee Jozwiak), loving son of the late Richard and the late Mary Nicholson (nee O’Brien). Survived by his brothers Denny and Richard, sisters Mary Kay, Colleen (Ricky) Manzella, and Barbara Kane. His nieces and nephews Dana (Eric), Caitlin (Jonnie), Mike (Sara), Sean, Shannon, Maggie, Nick, Chris, and two grandnieces Maci and Olivette. Also brother-in-laws Ron and Bob Jozwiak. Mike loved his many Alaskan Malamutes especially Stella, Emma, and the recently deceased Cooper.
Michael was the Superintendent of Grant Park, IL CUSD#6, former Principal of Grant Park HS. Prior to that he was a teacher and hockey coach at St Francis De Sales High School. Michael served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Momence Lions Club for many years. Memorial Visitation Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th Ln.) Memorial donations may be made to the Momence Lions Club, PO Box 444, Momence, IL 60954. For more information 219-365-3474 or www.elmwoodchapel.com.
Visitation Location
St. John
11300 W. 97th Lane
St. John, IN 46373
(219) 365-3474
Visitation Information
Saturday, May 20, 2023 - 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm
Condolences
"Nicholson family, so sorry to hear about your brother Michael. I have fond memories of him from my youth. My condolences and much love to you all."
May 2, 2023 3:46 pm
"Denny, Mary Kay, Rick, Barbara and Colleen,
I am saddened to hear about Mike's passing. I pray for him and all of you, and hope you are filled with blessings. "
May 2, 2023 7:59 pm
"Dear Nicholson family,
I have never felt so shocked and saddened at the same time and certainly never thought I’d be writing this.
Once in a lifetime, people get to have an amazing and caring teacher like Nik. Nik was more like a friend than a teacher and he always encouraged us to give our best. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. Goodbyes are always hard and Niks death has been a difficult pill to swallow I was so looking forward to seeing him at our next class reunion. When I think of Nik I’ll smile and remember how he was the coolest favorite teacher. His memory will stay alive in the student’s lives he touched. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this very sad time.
Carrie Tarazoff
St Francis De Sales ‘75"
May 3, 2023 6:39 pm
"Rick, Mary Kay, Colleen, Denny & Barbara, the loss of a sibling is felt in a way like no other. My most heartfelt condolences to you, the rest of Mike's family and friends. Hugs to all. "
May 4, 2023 10:48 am
"Colleen,
"I was so sorry to hear of your brother Michael's passing. He is now safe in the arms of our Father. My condolences to your family."
Eleanor"
May 5, 2023 1:13 pm
"Coach Nik, a lot of great memories from the hockey team, and all the other silly nonsense we did as kids in high school. rest easy and may God bless you and thank you for the memories! Condolences to the entire family."
May 5, 2023 2:03 pm
"Dear Denny, Rick, Mary Kay, Colleen and Barbra,
Shocked to hear of Michael’s passing. My prayers are with all of you.
Love, Noreen"
May 5, 2023 4:16 pm
"Deepest sympathies to the family of Mike Nicholson. To all of his student/hockey players he was known as Coach Nik. How many young minds did he influence or have an effect on would be hard to calculate. Alone he fostered in the hockey program at de Sales and maintained a level of fairness to every participant regardless of skill level. He was also one of the most popular, well-liked teachers among many good ones. To think he went on to become a principal at another district and place his imprint on that many more students is amazing. I was fortunate to run in to him only weeks before he passed, decades after last seeing him. When I told him what an effect he had on so many of us, he took it in stride, and in his typical unassuming way said “I guess I never realized that.” He leaves fond memories though they may be 50+ years ago!
Bill Ruzich ‘73"
May 6, 2023 12:29 am
"Dear Brother, we will miss you forever. We will take care of your dogs
love your brothers and sisters."
May 8, 2023 1:19 pm
"Dear Nicholson family, so sorry to hear of Nik's passing. He was a mentor to me at St. Francis de Sales as my department chair and I learned so many things from him regarding teaching and life that made me a better teacher in many ways. My condolences upon his passing as he had an impact on so many teachers and students at St. Francis de Sales. Prayers."
May 8, 2023 3:48 pm
""What seems to us a sunset, is a sunrise in another land". Shine on Michael, shine on! You will be dearly missed, by all who knew you! Rest in peace."
May 9, 2023 4:31 am
"Denny,to you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss of your brother Mike. I've been reading what a rich and meaningful life he had with so much love and friendship and I hope that gives you some comfort."
May 9, 2023 9:38 am
"Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family. Nik was my senior-year theology teacher at St. Francis de Sales High School. While I’ve probably forgotten many of my former teachers over the years, that would never be possible with Nik. He was my favorite teacher, and his class was always filled with knowledge, compassion, and lots of laughs, which is exactly how it should be with an outstanding teacher. I know he impacted so many of our lives. Watch down on us, Mr. Nicholson. You will be missed but remain forever in our hearts."
May 9, 2023 3:54 pm
"Denny, Rick, Mary Kay, Colleen and Barbara,
I am so sorry to learn of Michael’s passing. I have such fond memories of your amazing family. Michael and your parents will always be with you in your hearts. Gentle blessings to you all."
May 9, 2023 7:01 pm
"Denny, Mary Kay, Ricky, Colleen, and Barb,
When I think of all of you Nicholson siblings, I think of a set of fun peas in a pod! Always a loving, fun-filled, family of brothers and sisters with close bonds. The loss of your brother comes with great sadness to you, and also to all of the hearts he has touched over the years. May God wrap his arms of compassion around all of you and keep you close in this difficult time. Our prayers continue for you. XOX Cyndee, Ryan, and Kevin "
May 10, 2023 7:03 am
"I was sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He was a friend and supporter through the years.Thank you Mike, for all you have done for people and SFDS, Joe"
May 10, 2023 9:30 pm
"Mike Nicholson was a gentleman, a loving husband, dedicated teacher a beloved hockey coach and a true friend. I had the pleasure of working with him, during his career at DeSales. We both taught senior classes and often spoke about the students we had and how they really seemed to try to excel .He was a mentor to anyone who needed help. After he completed his Master’s degree he left to become a fixture at Grant Park High School, rising through the ranks, to become Superintendent of Schools.. Mike was a breeder of Alaskan Malemutes, and traveled with Jean to show his dogs. "
May 14, 2023 2:44 pm
"Sorry to hear of Nik's passing. It was Great to have him as our coach and teacher all those years ago."
May 17, 2023 9:41 am
"Very sorry to hear about Mike. He was very accomplished and respected. He touched and changed many young adults.
RIP Mike "
May 18, 2023 11:14 am
"Dear Nicholson Family so sorry for your loss Mike will be really missed!!"
May 19, 2023 2:20 pm
"Mike was a good friend. As a fellow school administrator, I valued his opinions as they always had the best interests of all students in the forefront. His caring and kindness were examples to all. My prayers to his family."
May 20, 2023 10:27 am
"Dr Nickolson was one of my favorite teachers at St Francis DeSales. May his memory be a blessing."
May 23, 2023 10:17 am