Nikolai Julius Antonov II

Justus was born on January 11, 2005, at exactly 1:11 p.m. in Reno, Nevada. When he turned 18 years old, he decided to change his name to Nikolai to protect himself from his father. I called him Niko. From the beginning, he was truly one of a kind.

He had the most incredible sense of humor and could imitate people's voices so perfectly that he left everyone laughing. He was brilliantly talented, adventurous, creative, fiercely loyal, and protective of those he loved.

He was also an old soul. At just ten years old, he begged me for an old-fashioned pocket watch on a chain, loved wearing suits, and dreamed of someday having a cigar room with a big leather chair. He loved history, classic movies, animals, and music. At five years old, he could sing opera notes! And he was the only child I knew who loved vegetables so much he'd eat an onion like an apple.

Whatever Justus aka Niko tried, he seemed to master naturally. Ice skating, snowboarding, BMX biking, skateboarding, flying VR drones, gaming, and even tattooing—he approached everything with curiosity, confidence, and remarkable ability.

He began his first job at Circle K in January 2026, working the graveyard shift. He was never late, never called in sick, and eagerly accepted every extra shift offered. I couldn't have been prouder of the responsible, hardworking young man he was becoming.

His newest and greatest passion was motorcycles. He immersed himself in learning everything about them, upgrading parts, changing his own oil, and working on his bikes himself. He loved filming his rides with his Meta glasses and GoPro and sharing his adventures online.

But beyond all his talents, what made him so special was his heart. He was genuine, funny, independent, loving, and unapologetically himself.

Justus aka Niko, leaves behind his mother, Shandell Stanisic; stepfather, Bjorn Bostrom; brother, Gage Bostrom; sister, Nadja Stanisic; grandmother, Meri Price; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews in both Arizona and Nevada. He also leaves behind his beloved pets, Squanchy the cat and Nake the snake.

Our family is devastated by this unimaginable loss.

We want his story, his laughter, and his beautiful spirit to live on.

My son was so much more than the tragedy that took his life. He was 21 years of laughter, love, adventure, talent, and endless possibilities.

Justus aka Niko, I would give anything for one more hug, one more laugh, one more chance to tell you how incredibly proud I am to be your mom.

You were never meant to blend into the crowd, my sweet boy. You were born to leave your mark on this world.

And you did.

Some people spend their entire lives trying to fit in. My beautiful son, Justus aka Nikolai, never felt the need to.

He marched to the beat of his own drum, because God created him to stand out.

Forever 21. Forever loved. Forever my son. ❤️