John Nicka

John Nicka

September 10, 1922 - February 27, 2022

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Madison - John G. Nicka, age 99, succumbed to end stage renal disease and peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, February 27, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born on September 10, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Gottlieb and Susanna “Susie” (Boehm) Nicka. He graduated from Tilden Tech in 1941 and attended Quincy College and North Dakota State University. He served in the United States Navy from 1942-1946 as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Second Class. He worked at a dairy, pump company, and was a laborer for a glass block company before becoming a Physical Education teacher in Chicago Schools.

In 1970 John married Betty Lindberg and moved to Madison where he taught Driver’s Education and Elementary PE for the Madison Metropolitan School District until his retirement in 1991. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and tending to his pool. He was a blood donor, an avid bowler, golfer, member of Bethel Lutheran Church, volunteer at Bethel Horizons, and a huge Badger sports fan. He was quiet and humble, and loved by many, especially his daughter, Karyn. He was also the best Papa to Michela, Alexa, Kelly, and John.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty; daughter, Karyn Nicka (Zak Holmes); grandchildren Michela, Alexa, Kelly, and John Wood; William and Owen Holmes; nephew Bill (Cheryl) Malmloff; the Malmloff, Pawula, and Lindberg families; and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sue Malmloff and Theresa Lagler; niece, Suzanne Malmloff and nephew, Leslie Malmloff, Jr.; as well as other close friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 4, 2022 with visitation from 3:00-5:00 PM at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue. Please consider wearing Badger red and a mask indoors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, designated to Bethel Horizons. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the care staff of SSM Health, Fresenius Kidney Care, and Heartland Hospice, and would especially like to acknowledge Karyn and Alexa for their loving care of John.

To view and sign this guestbook and to access the livestream link, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

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DH
Dennis J. Hilgendorf
Other •
Mrs. Nicka (you'll always be Mrs. Nicka to me), So sorry for your loss, but what a joy to have your husband with you for that long. You may not remember me (Class of 1975), but I was the one who would skip Architecture Class so that you would have more guys for Ballroom Dance (3rd period I think). Every once in awhile, I'd have to skip dance to take a "surprise" exam in Architecture (I had a couple of people who were watching my back). It is one class that I have used throughout life and enjoyed the most. Sorry I heard about this too late, otherwise I would have come to the funeral.
SS
Sara (Tubby) Strain
Other •
Betty, sorry we were not able to be there on Friday afternoon, I no longer drive, Charlyne is with at home hospice care,, Glenanne is still mourning the loss of her daughter and Bob and Linda are in Arizona. Ada is in Princeton. You can rest assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Merneldas Family
JS
John Swanson
Other •
You are all in my prayers. John was such a mainstay at Bethel each Sunday morning. He was a good and faithful man. God bless him and each of you.
PM
Pat Maniaci
Other •
Karyn and the Nicka Family, sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. May you find comfort in your memories of the wonderful times you had with your dear father.

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