Michael J. Nicholas

Michael J Nicholas, age 63, loving husband, father and "Papa" to his grandchildren, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo after a five-year long illness caused by a devastating stroke. Michael was born on July 22, 1956 in Kalamazoo Michigan to Francis and Kathryn (Kimmer) Nicholas. He graduated from Comstock High School in 1974, earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 1980 and a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Ferris State University in 1994. Michael retired in 2015 (after 30 years) from Davenport University where he was an Associate Professor in the Computer Technology Department. On August 4, 1990, Michael and Goldie Trevan were married. They raised two children together, Hope and Joseph Nicholas. Michael had a passion for all things computer related – he called himself "the fungeek". He was the owner of "Personal Connections" and had many business and personal clients. He was the guy to call when there was a problem with one's computer and was a weekly guest on WKZO Radio. Michael had a quick wit, always ready with a joke or quip. He was a kind helpful man, a very hard worker and was never happier than when he was attending Hope and Joey's musical concerts and sporting events (always recording videos and taking many pictures). Michael put on a massive 4th of July fireworks show for his children and continued the tradition with his grandchildren. When he could no longer do that, the grandchildren brought the fireworks to the nursing home parking lot so Michael could enjoy the fun. Michael was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Francis, and his mother, Kathryn. He is survived by his wife Goldie of 29 years, his four children, Hope Nicholas, Joe Nicholas, Heather (Robb) Humphreys, and Holly (Corey) Henderson, grandchildren Lincoln Rupp, Sunny, Koa, Kai, and River Humphreys, Davis and Dallas Henderson, brother-in-law, Ken (Brenda) Trevan, several cousins, step nephews, and their families, good friends and work colleagues. Cremation has taken place; the cremains will be buried near his parent's graves in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan. A Celebration of Michael's life will be held Spring of 2020. The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the caring staff at The Laurels of Galesburg for providing Michael's day to day needs these past years since his crippling stroke.