In loving memory of

Thomas M. Nicolaus
November 18, 1957 - July 15, 2020

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. Masks are required for Funeral Mass and social distancing practices will be followed. Friends are invited to the reception following the service at Tom's Residence, in Cylinder.

Thomas Michael Nicolaus was born November 18, 1957, in Warren, Ohio. He was the son of William and Katherine (Gardner) Nicolaus. He grew up around Cortland, OH, graduating from Lakeview High School in 1976.

On July 16, 1988, he was united in Marriage to Laurel Hopkins in Cortland, OH. Together they were blessed with one son, Karl.

After graduation, he Worked in the oil fields, drove semi across the country, and farmed.

Tom had a love for farm machinery; in particular John Deere. He always enjoyed looking at John Deere tractors with his son, admiring the latest changes and designs in the equipment. He also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, NASCAR, and his cat, Leo. He attended St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Tom died Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Kossuth Regional Health Center, Algona. He was 62.

He is survived by his special friend of 14 years, Lynnea McCarthy of Cylinder; son, Karl (Sydnie Kinzle) Nicolaus of Ames; brother, William (Marilyn) Nicolaus Jr. of Bristolville, OH; brother-in-law, Tom (Michelle) Hopkins of Philadelphia, PA; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents; and his wife, Laurel Nicolaus.

Tributes

Melissa Habeger wrote on Jul 24, 2020:

"Where do I even start Tom was one of a kind and would do anything for anyone! So many memories from going snowmobiling to working on the farm with the ?iggies? to going to ?Napa? to arguments If red or green was best. There was never a dull moment! Love you always big chuck! You are going to be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers Mitch Mel and Waylon Habeger "

Monte Moore wrote on Jul 23, 2020:

"I worked along side Mr Tom at Blattner Energy, we operated Dozers. He was a Good Freind. And jas and will ne Greatly missed. Sending prayers. Monte and Angel Moore"

John golembiowdki wrote on Jul 22, 2020:

"Tom you will greatly missed . I will miss all the phone calls and visits, I will think of you as I dive the 2030 now named Tom!! Save me a parking spot beside you until I see you again your good. friend John Golembiowski "

Joe Leigh wrote on Jul 22, 2020:

"Prayers for comfort during this time. "

Kelly and Blair Thomas wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"Love you with all my heart. I could never ask for a better friend. We all swore an oath out in that field to always be there......BRAZOS my friend"

Tony & Susie Sampedro wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."

Kelly and Blair Thomas wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"Such wonderful memories of Tom and Karl as our neighbors.. We have missed you all so much since you left Ohio and were SO blessed to be able to spend time together a few weeks ago during your visit.... Lynnea, Karl, Bill and Family, May all of your hearts be filled and healed by the wonderful memories of Tom, and may God welcome him home with open arms and the rewards of a life well lived... "

Gary, Laurie, Jack and Shannon O\'Neill wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"We are so sorry for your loss Karl, all of our memories are full from when we lived in bazetta. All the picnics, all the parties and just all the neighbors getting together those were fun times. Your dad was the best, good friends are hard to come by and he was a good friend. I know we haven\'t seen you in a long time but if you need anything give us a call."

Bruce Parks wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"Tom always had positive words to say. I can ever hear him, now. \"You know Bruce, that reminds me of...\" And \"It\'s just darn good seeing you, again.\" I sure will miss talking to him."

Kathy Hadley Schultheis wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"Sorry but I wasn\'t able to edit my post. Darn spell check. I\'m sorry for your loss. You\'re in my prayers. Kathy Hadley Schultheis"

Kathy Hadley Scheduled wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss."

John Hadley wrote on Jul 21, 2020:

"Prayers for the family. So sorry for your loss"

Vernon Stevens and Paula Ruby wrote on Jul 20, 2020:

"Sending our condolences and prayers to Lynnea, Karl and Sydnie. We are grateful to have spent time with Tom and all of you this June in Ohio. May God grant you peace and comfort."

john needham wrote on Jul 20, 2020:

"john the barber dear karl i lived next to your family on everett-hull rd.in bazetta and witnessed the Love your father and mother had for you. that Love will last you and yours for a life time."

Jim Nicolaus wrote on Jul 19, 2020:

"Dear Karl and Sydnie,our deepest sympathy to you.we have never met but I am a cousin to your dad.so sorry for your loss.Jim and Debbie Nicolaus."

Tom and Terry Lance wrote on Jul 18, 2020:

"We are so sorry for your loss Karl and Lynnea our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tommy rest in peace! "

Chris Hirner wrote on Jul 17, 2020:

"My deepest sympathy to Tom\'s family and to Lynnea for the loss of their loved one. May you know that you now have a very special Angel above watching over you. "

DEb Schulz wrote on Jul 17, 2020:

"My sympathy to Toms family. He was a very nice man. I enjoyed our visits. May your many memories of him help you through this time and in the days ahead. "

Stephanie Borreggine (Hopkins) wrote on Jul 17, 2020:

"Grateful to have gotten to see Tom last month in Ohio one last time. Prayers of peace while you heal from the loss."

Cindy Brattain wrote on Jul 17, 2020:

"Tom....rest in peace...Lynnea, Karl...love you so much! Hugs and may the Peace of God surround you!"

Donna Nicolaus wrote on Jul 16, 2020:

"To Tommy...We will miss you! "

Joe Garman wrote on Jul 16, 2020:

"I enjoyed working with Tom and Carl over the years. Sorry to hear about Tom passing. Always enjoyed my conversations with Tom over the years! Looper said it well that Tom was a great guy and wasn\'t afraid to break a sweat! "

Linda \"Looper\" Farrell, Whittemore wrote on Jul 16, 2020:

"My sympathies to Tom\'s family and friends. He was such a great guy who liked to work hard and reap the benefits of his labors. He supported his community and will be missed by many. May his reward be great in Heaven. God Bless Tom Nicolaus. "