Robert L. Nikolay

Robert L. Nikolay, age 83, Marshfield, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield. Deacon Ray Draeger will officiate. Private family committal services and burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield. The visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield. A Knights of Columbus rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home by the American Legion Post 54 and the State of Wisconsin Military Honors, following the service.

Robert was born on Aug. 11, 1940, in Marshfield, to Frank and Helen (Wyman) Nikolay Sr. and was a 1958 graduate of Marshfield Senior High School.

He married Nancy L. Bauman on Sept. 4, 1967, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Marshfield.

Family was the most important thing in his life, especially his beautiful wife of 56 years, Nancy – he would do anything for the love of his life. There are many memories shared as a family, especially at his cottage near Tomahawk on Lake Nokomis that he built in 1979. He shared and taught his strong work ethic with his children and grandchildren. But the work was always done before noon so he could enjoy the rest of the day on his pontoon. 

Bob’s sense of humor was a big part of who he was, and he always had a one-liner to share. He had many favorite lines- including the ones his grandchildren use today.

He raced snowmobiles from 1968-1977, and even got Nancy involved in it. Bob continued to enjoy snowmobiling throughout the Northwoods, U.P. of Michigan, and even in Montana with good friends.

Bob and Nancy loved traveling together. They enjoyed numerous trips to Ixtapa, Mexico, and Madeira Beach, Fla., where they met many good friends and enjoyed the sunshine away from the cold Wisconsin winters. In 2016, they took a dream cruise to Alaska where they enjoyed many beautiful sites.

Bob talked fondly of growing up on the family farm and was a true American. In 1963, he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam until 1965. His love of country continued throughout his life; he was very proud of the opportunity to serve his country and shared his passion with everyone around him. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, holding many positions over the years. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

In 1966, he started his construction business, Nikolay Companies, which he proudly ran with Nancy until his retirement in 2017. 

Keeping family first was his motto; he instilled this in everything he said and did with his kids. It is a priority his family will continue to live.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their children, Kelly (Mick) Rohr of Weston, Kim (Tim) Rogers, of Dixon, Ill., Keith (Laura) Nikolay of De Pere, and Kriss (Matt) Nepstad of Plymouth, Minn.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Alex (Kayla) Arendt, Joey (Tara) Arendt, Jon Rohr, Lauren Rohr, Jack Nikolay, Will Nikolay, Drew Nepstad and Luke Nepstad, and two great-grandchildren, Finn Arendt and Lakyn Arendt. He is further survived by sisters, Kathleen Reigel and Carol Ress, both of Marshfield, and Betty Worzella of Plymouth, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Frank Nikolay Jr., Patrick and Jerry Nikolay and a sister, Jean Sazama.

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice, especially, Breanna, and the Villages, especially, Kristen, for their loving care. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.