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MARQUETTE, MI - Gary John Nicholas, age 75, of Marquette, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at UP Health System - Marquette.
Gary was born on April 28, 1951, in Negaunee, Michigan, to Lester and Ruth (Stolnack) Nicholas, arriving alongside his twin sister, Sandy. He was raised in Negaunee and graduated from Negaunee High School in 1971.
On November 18, 1978, Gary joined the Marquette County Sheriff's Department as a deputy, beginning a career of service that spanned more than two decades. Over the years he served as a corrections officer, on road patrol, as a member of the SWAT technical team, and with the snowmobile and marine safety unit, before becoming a court security officer at the Marquette County Courthouse. When he retired on April 30, 2001, after twenty-two years and five months of service, the Marquette County Board of Commissioners honored him with a resolution recognizing his dedication and professionalism. Gary later continued his work in security at Sawyer International Airport.
Gary was an avid collector of all kinds of memorabilia, and part of the joy of collecting for him was sharing it. Many family members and friends have treasured pieces from his collection that he gave them. He was a history buff who loved learning about the past, and he had a real passion for inventions and innovations, always curious about how things worked and what clever new idea was coming next. Gary loved to laugh, and his quick wit and great sense of humor could brighten any room. On Thursdays, Gary could reliably be found at Big Boy, enjoying lunch with his siblings, cousins, and other family and friends, a tradition that meant a great deal to him and to everyone at the table. At home, his loyal companion was his cat, Lumberjack.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Sandra Salmela; his sister-in-law, Jeanette Nicholas; and his brother-in-law, Ron Stuard.
Gary will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Jennifer Nicholas; his siblings: Nancy Stuard, Jack (Sharon) Nicholas, Bob Nicholas, and Debbie (Gordy) Seppanen; his brother-in-law, Chet Salmela; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Gary's family would like to thank the medical professionals at UP Health System - Marquette and his devoted caregivers from UP Private Duty Services for the compassion and care they gave him.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Negaunee Cemetery with Rev. Bre Kinnunen officiating. Coffee and bars will follow at Immanuel
Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall, 520 US-41, Negaunee, MI 49866. Family and friends are warmly welcome to join for either or both.
Gary's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com