Edward Stanley (“Nick”) Nicklaus joined his heavenly father on Sept. 10, 2013 at age 96 surrounded by his loving family. “Nick” led a full and indeed wonderful life, loved greatly by all who knew him. He was born on July 15, 1917 in Dixon, Illinois, the son of Florence and Edward John Nicklaus. He worked at a variety of jobs from when he was young throughout all his life. He worked for Ronald Reagan’s mother in a bookstore in Dixon. He was drafted into the Army in 1941 and then transferred to the Air Force where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A devout lover of his country, he served in World War II, was recalled to service during the Korean War and later served in the Air Force Reserves. After World War II he moved with a buddy to San Antonio, Texas where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Billings, while working at Joske’s Department store as a buyer. He and Marilyn married on March 25, 1947 and resided in San Antonio. After leaving Joske’s, he began work as an appliance salesman and was transferred to Austin in 1952. He continued his career as a salesman for over 30 years until his retirement. He became a convert to the Catholic faith at age 70 and was a dedicated member of St. Louis parish in Austin. He had a great love of Las Vegas (especially video poker), the Texas Longhorns and playing bingo with his friends. He is greatly loved and will be remembered for his wit, his optimism, his positive attitude and his great generosity. Edward will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward John and Florence Newbury Nicklaus, and his five brothers—Kenneth, Ralph, Frank (“Fritz”), Donald and William Nicklaus. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of 66 years, his daughter Carrol Nicklaus of Austin, his son Edward M Nicklaus and wife Debra of Austin and his three grand-daughters Laura, Sarah and Krista Nicklaus who knew him affectionately as “poppy”.
Special thanks to the staff of the Retirement Nursing Center of Austin for their compassionate care these last few months.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, with a rosary service beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Road, Austin. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18