Noel Wesley “Wes” Nicholas

Noel Wesley “Wes” Nicholas passed away July 4, 2025 at Marshfield Medical Center-Marshfield. He was surrounded by family and love from both near and far. A lifelong bachelor, Wes had resided in Illinois and traveled internationally for business. In later years, he enjoyed living life in the tranquil Wisconsin Northwoods for well over a decade.

Born in Chicago, on October 19, 1948 to James and Virginia (Grimm) Nicholas, Wes is survived by his sisters, Karen Stromquist of Indiana and Susan Nicholas Nowicki of Pennsylvania. He was Uncle Wes to Kimberly, Missy, Jamie and Eric and Adam. Wes was a great uncle to 12 grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom looked up to “Uncle Wes.”

He lived a life of high standards demonstrated by his passion and collection of high-performance vehicles, Corvettes and exceptional sports memorabilia. Remaining fit and active his entire life, his interests were in perfection and excellence. Wes’s golf skills earned him the elusive hole in one, a Biltmore Club Championship and multiple Oldsmobile Scramble Championships.

He attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School, then graduated from University of Wisconsin Whitewater, class of 1972, where he made dear and lifelong friends. Wes began his professional career with Ben Franklin Stores in Barrington, Ill. as an analyst and quickly rose through the ranks being promoted to director. He continued his executive career with Duraco of Forest Park, Ill. for a number of years before fulfilling his dream of living in the Northwoods where he brokered real estate in Manitowish Waters. Never one to sit idle from a business venture, even in his later years, Wes distributed and sold handcrafted glassware.

His interests always lying in excellence, Wes carefully surrounded himself with only the best of people and friends. He will be missed.

A celebration of life for Wes will be scheduled at the convenience of the family. www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.