William D. Nicholas
Nicholas, William D.
MARQUETTE, MI – William D. “Bill” Nicholas, 77, of Marquette, died Tuesday afternoon, February 11, 2020, at UP Health System-Marquette.
Bill was born, July 25, 1942, in Palmer, a son of William and Dagney (Carlstrom) Nicholas. He was raised in Palmer, was a 1960 graduate of Negaunee High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from NMU.
He worked as a surveyor for Gunlach before entering the US Army and serving two tours of duty in Vietnam.
Bill was employed as a prison guard at Marquette Branch Prison and retired after 20 plus years as an assistant resident unit manager.
On June 4, 1983, he married, Mickey McMonagle, in Marquette.
He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and The Vietnam Veterans of America Negaunee Chapter.
In his youth, Bill downhill skied, was a ski jumper at Suicide Hill, played high school football and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. Later, he enjoyed pitching in the Marquette fast-pitch softball league, woodworking and trips to the casino. Bill is remembered as a very handy man.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mickey Nicholas of Marquette; children, Scott (Shannon) Baumann of Summerville, SC, Brandon (Joanna) Nicholas of Ishpeming, Jennifer Nicholas of New York, NY and Eric (Ashley) Nicholas of Harvey; grandchildren, Courtney (Rueben) Martinez, Connor, Colin and Colton Beaumann, Cora and Evelyn Nicholas; sister, Penny (Butch) Smith of Palmer; mother-in-law, Aminta McMonagle of West Palm Beach, FL; numerous nieces & nephews; and favorite diva pet cat, Lilly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Paulette (Robert) Frame; father & mother-in-law, Hubert and Louise McMonagle.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 in the funeral home with Rev. Charles Tooman officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 44. A luncheon will follow the service in the funeral home.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will also be held at the Palmer Township Hall in the spring and will be announced.
Bill’s obituary may also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where memories may be shared.