Gregory Joseph Nicholas

Gregory “Nick” J. Nicholas, 76, formerly of Palmer, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney.  Greg moved to Brookefield Park in St. Paul of 2016, then entered the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in October of 2019.

A Celebration of his life will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in Palmer.   Inurnment will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer with military honors provided by the Burton-Beyer American Legion of Palmer.

Greg was born on April 25, 1947, to Victor and Gladys (Wadsworth) in Portland, Oregon.  His mother passed away at his birth, so he and his father returned to the family farm in Palmer.  Two years later, his dad married Jocelyn Hiett and had four more children, Bob, Vicki, Jim, and Mary.

He graduated from Palmer High School in 1965 where he was active in multiple sports and participated in Golden Glove boxing. He enlisted in the United States Navy, entering the service on April 19, 1966.  He received his training at Ft. Magu Naval Air Station at Oxnard, CA and spent over 1 year aboard the U.S.S. Sacramento in Vietnam. He served until his discharge at Seattle, WA on January 12, 1970.

After the service he lived in Palmer and was employed by Chief Manufacturing in Grand Island. He then moved to Lincoln, NE where he worked constructing telephone lines. That job took him to California, where he lived for many years before moving back to Palmer. There he worked as an independent painter and for the Village of Palmer.

He enjoyed playing pool and cards, cooking, watching sports and entertaining family and friends by sharing his colorful life experiences. Greg was a fun guy and a friend to many. His nickname was “Hippie” and loved the 60’s and 70’s music. He was a member of the Burton-Beyer American Legion Club – Post 120 in Palmer, as well as Sons of the American Legion.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Bob Nicholas of Palmer; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Nicholas and Leland Studley of Grand Island; brother-in-law, Ron Simonson; sister-in-law, Carol Wegner; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. We also thank him for his service to our country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mom, Jocelyn Gilmont; brother, Jim Nicholas; sister, Vicki Simonson; sisters-in-law, Margaret Nicholas and Lanette Nicholas; and a “third brother” Jack Wegner.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 120 or to the family’s choice.