Betty Nicholas

Betty J. Nicholas, 98, longtime resident of Lake Nebagamon, WI went to her heavenly home on May 6, 2021. She was born February 15, 1923 in Middle River, WI to Gustaf and Ida (Smestad) Gronquist, the fourth of five daughters. Betty spent her early years in Rockmont before moving to Superior, where she graduated from Central High School. She worked at the Franklin Creamery to help pay off the family dairy bill. Later she worked at the co-op wholesale building packing coffee and operating their switchboard. She married Lindy Nicholas at Concordia Lutheran Church in Superior on July 12, 1947. They raised three boys together: Charles Linfred, James Scott, and Steven Tate.

Betty and Lindy exemplified the commitment and determination so prevalent in that ‘greatest’ generation. Betty worked alongside Lindy building their house including mixing mortar and tending block. She also painted with watercolors and enjoyed photography, sign painting, sewing, baking, and cooking. She was a leader with 4-H. Betty helped Lindy and his cousin start a golf course in the 60’s and ran it while the men were working. She was an avid golfer for many decades. Her example encouraged her boys and many others to face life with patience, determination, and compassion.

Betty became a widow in 1997 after caring for Lindy during his many years of kidney failure. She lovingly helped raise two of her granddaughters, Lesley and Carah Nicholas and opened her home to many, showing selfless hospitality.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her four sisters Doris Farmer, Alice Kinser, Lois Anderson, and Edna Tatge. She is survived by her three sons, Charles (Shirley), James (Shannon), and Steven (Tami); 5 grandchildren: Cameron, Trevor (Renee), Carah, Leslie, Emma (Ja’lon); great grandchildren Ethan and Everett (Trevor and Renee), and numerous nieces and nephews including Phyllis and Tom Flaherty who cared for her when she could no longer live alone. Special thanks to the able staff at St. Croix Hospice and the generous caregivers at Cedar Ridge who became like family in their faithful care for Betty.

Visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service, Thursday May 13, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11416 E. 1st Street N., Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849. Reverend Darrell Kyle will officiate.

Burial will be in the family lot at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery. Following the committal service, everyone is invited back to the church for a luncheon.

To sign the online guest book or send condolences, visit www.downsfh.com