Nicolai Alexander von Kreisler

Nicolai von Kreisler died on July 5, 2026, from cancer, which he faced with courage and grace. He was born on March 26, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Alexander von Kreisler and Helen Thacker von Kreisler. He grew up in Austin, Texas, and was a proud alumnus of Matthews Elementary School and McCallum High School, where he made lifelong friends. Nicolai served in the United States Marine Corps, which he described as a transformative experience that directed him towards achievement. He earned his Ph.D. in English from the University of Texas in 1968. A medieval scholar, he authored numerous papers, including his dissertation titled, “The Achievement of Chaucer’s Love-Visions.” He was an English professor at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge before deciding to change careers. Nicolai graduated from LSU’s Law Center in 1974 and returned to Austin, Texas, where he worked as a lawyer for over forty years. The law was his true vocation, allowing him to apply his considerable intellectual talents in service of others. Many of his colleagues and clients became close friends. “The Big Cat” was admired professionally for his dedication, creativity, and superb writing. After retiring, Nicolai kept bees on his cherished ranch. He was also a genealogist of high caliber, and over many years he researched and wrote about his family’s history, a work he deemed his “Magnum Opus.”

Nicolai is survived by his wife, Linda von Kreisler; his sister, Kristin von Kreisler Bomben; and his children, Alexander (“Nick”), Katherine (husband Richard), Elizabeth, and Christian (wife London) von Kreisler. Nicolai was also the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Nicolai (“Alex”), Aaron, Kirk, and Kyle von Kreisler, Hayden Stults, Hudson and Calvin Porter, and Elena Autry. He is also survived by many cousins, some on his mother’s side with whom he spent rollicking childhood summers, and some on his father’s side, across the globe, most of whom he met late in life. Nicolai’s family relationships were deeply important and enriching to him.

Nicolai was original and authentic, a man of determination and discipline, as well as humor and high jinks. He walked his own path. His compassion called him to help people whenever he could. He was meticulous in his work. He harbored no pretensions. Intensely curious, Nicolai was a devoted reader. For him, learning and sharing knowledge were acts of love. Beauty and art inspired him. He loved the outdoors and animals and held great affection for his German shepherds. He set an example of strength, stoicism, and dignity in the face of adversity. He was a brilliant man, a steadfast friend, and a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He tried his best. His depth of love and understanding touched many lives.

Nicolai’s family is grateful to Valerie, Vanessa, and Angie for their care, to special friends Bob and Diane Swanson, Rhonda and Bobby Boyd, Ed and Patty Fleming, Stan Schleuter, and Kevin Autry for their kindnesses and devotion, and to all the friends and family members who brightened Nicolai’s last months with their correspondences and visits. There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on July 20, 2026, from 11:00-2:00. Please consider a memorial gift to the Austin Public Library, where Nicolai spent countless hours of his youth, or Hospice Austin, which helped ease his passing at home with his family.