Willard Eugene Nicholson, 79, of Oshkosh passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 1, 2016 surrounded by his family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, 700 W. Linwood Ave., Oshkosh with Pastor John Hobbins and Pastor Neil Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Memorial Park in Oshkosh immediately after the service. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service. The family wishes to invite all his loved ones, friends and police buddies for a luncheon immediately following the burial. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in Willard’s name.
The son of Eugene Charles and Kathryn (Thompson) Nicholson, Willard was born on May 2, 1937 in Augusta, Wisconsin. Willard graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1955.
Willard then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for 5 years and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After being discharged from the Marines, he was a 4th generation Nicholson to work for the Soo Line Railroad.
On June 25, 1966, Willard was joined in marriage to Marilyn Ann Sitzberger at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Oshkosh. That same month, Willard moved to Oshkosh and began working for the Oshkosh Police Department where he served faithfully for 29 years. Together they raised two boys, Craig and Randy. After his retirement as a full time police officer, Willard then worked part-time for the Winnebago County Sherriff’s Department. Willard took his service as a police officer seriously and proudly participated as a flag carrier at many Memorial Day parades.
Nick, as he liked to be called, enjoyed going up to his land in Adams County for camp outs and hunting. He especially liked deer hunting and shooting his guns. When he finally decided to retire fully, Nick enjoyed meeting his Thursday noon police buddies at the Delta Restaurant. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Oshkosh.
After Marilyn passed away on November 1, 2000, Nick got acquainted with a woman from his church and as time went on they developed a loving relationship. He married Kristine Green, on December 23, 2005. Together they enjoyed going to church, watching their favorite movies, eating out at their favorite restaurants, and watching their grandchildren grow. His family and friends will miss his many stories, jokes, conversations about guns, and his generous loving personality.
Willard was preceded in death by his first wife of 34 years, Marilyn; his parents, Eugene and Kathryn Nicholson; and one sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Lloyd Mc Allister.
Willard is survived by his wife, Kris; two sons, Craig of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Randy (Dawn) Nicholson of Weyauwega, Wisconsin. Two step sons, Matthew (Laura) Green from Rockford, Illinois and Michael (Dana Kimball) Green of Oshkosh. A sister and brother-in-law, Mary Sue (Donald) Timmerman of Willis, Texas; six grandchildren, Peter and Taylor Nicholson from Weyauwega; Cody, Hunter, Katlyn and Clayton Nicholson from Oshkosh, WI; and three step grandchildren, Parker, Landon and Tessa Green.

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