Dennis Lee Nikolaus

God must have needed capable hands for fixing or building something special, so he sent his angels on October 15, 2024, to ask Dennis Lee Nikolaus for his help. Dennis loved to build things, model airplanes, ponds and walking paths, gardening, machinery, remodeling, working on cars and helping his children with their school projects. 

He was born on February 21, 1941, the second child of Jacob and Marie (Bartow) Nikolaus. Dennis worked as a machinist for Oshkosh Corporation. He married his wife on November 2, 1963, at Peace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed working on their collectible cars and driving them to car shows including the Oldsmobile Nationals each year. He also enjoyed vegetable, flower, and water gardening and was honored to receive the ‘Garden of the Month’ award in 2008.

Dennis is survived by his wife and best friend, Joyce (Zimdars) Nikolaus, his daughters, Karla (Joseph) Schweda, Oshkosh, WI, Kelly (Shawn) Brady, Madison, WI, and his granddaughter, Carolyn (Ben Adams) Schweda, Menomonee Falls, WI. Besides his immediate family, Dennis is also survived by his brothers and sister in-laws; David (Donna) Nikolaus, Maryland, Kevin (Janette) Nikolaus, Arizona, and his sister, Jackie Nikolaus, Madison, WI. Also surviving are cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, his Peace Lutheran Church family, his Carmel Residence family and his grand dogs Sally and Truman. He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Edwin and Ruth (Hinz) Zimdars, brother, Gerald Nikolaus, sister-in-law, Patti Nikolaus, and his pet family of Poppy, Champ, Punkin, Kate, Beau Paix, and Mac.

Thanks to all the people that cared for Dennis in his last days, especially the staff of Eden Meadows and the Hospice team. As per Dennis’ wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made in Dennis’ name to Peace Lutheran Church Stained Glass Fund (240 West Ninth Avenue, Oshkosh, 54902), the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh, 54901), or another charity of your choice.