Francis Nickolay

Francis J. Nickolay, age 98, of New Prague, died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Francis was born at home in New Prague on August 10, 1926, to John F. and Bessie (Bazil) Nickolay. He attended eight years at St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and graduated from New Prague High School, though his education was interrupted for two years when he enlisted in the US Navy, serving during WWII, traveling through Pearl Harbor four months after the bombing by Japan. After returning home, he met Lorraine L. Shimota at the Park Ballroom and the two were married at St. Wenceslaus Church on May 28, 1949. Francis began working for Julius and Gilbert Ballinger at Ballinger Dairy at age 10 and continued with them until they sold the business. He then commuted to Minneapolis and worked for Cloverleaf Dairy for 25 years before finally retiring from the dairy business.

Francis was a proud member of the American Legion and a dedicated lifetime member and supporter of St. Wenceslaus Church. He was an avid gardener, giving much of his produce away, and canning everything else! He had a belief: If it grew, it could be canned! He enjoyed following Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Twins and Vikings. He traveled all over the United States to all the military reunions of his shipmates, hosting one of them in New Prague. Francis’s generosity knew no bounds, whether it was locally to those in need or the numerous charities who knew him almost personally. Francis lived by his motto: If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all! Always positive, patient, and kind, Francis exuded the faith that was the cornerstone of his life. He was dedicated to his sister, Lucy, serving as her chauffeur and companion to the many meetings she needed to attend. He remained active his entire life, loved people and always had a story to share. He will be missed for the warm and friendly smile that graced his face and the twinkle that made his eyes so expressive!

Francis is survived by his children, David (Sharon) Nickolay of Chanhassen, Susan Dantoft (Randy Johnson) of Burnsville, Carol (Jim) Pukay of Richfield, Tony (Lisa) Nickolay of Wayzata, Robert Nickolay of Edina; daughter-in-law, LuAnn Nickolay of Elko; sisters, Lucille Nickolay of New Prague and Ruth Huber of Montgomery; sisters-in-law, Gladys Nickolay of Montgomery, JoAnn Nickolay of St. Paul, Doris Lang of New Hope; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine on January 21, 2004; sons, Richard “Rich” and Donald; sons-in-law, Mogens Dantoft and Jeffrey Fleming; brothers, John, Charles “Rock”, George “Spanny”, Richard (in infancy), Donald, Willie; sister, Rita Gaertner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will take place at church 1 hour prior to Mass, starting at 9:30. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard. Lunch will follow at the KC Hall.