Madison –

Betty L. Nicka, age 87, passed away at home on Sunday, July 21, 2024 due to health complications, with family by her side. She was born on June 2, 1937 in Madison, Wisconsin the daughter of Marvin and Tilla (Haakenson) Lindberg. She graduated from Madison East High School in 1955 and UW LaCrosse in 1959, majoring in physical education. From 1963-1972 she taught in the MMSD tennis & park programs. Her career in education spanned 33 years (1959-1992), beginning in Racine, WI and devoting 27 years to the students at Madison East High School. Her greatest achievement happened in 1965 when she organized and developed the East High School Girls Athletics Association to enhance girls’ interest and skills in competitive sports. She was an integral part of establishing the first competitive interschool programs for girls in track and field, tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Her leadership provided a model for the expansion of girls’ sports programs in the state of Wisconsin and eventual sanction by the WIAA. She was also a tennis coach and led many clubs. Her 1972 undefeated tennis team was the first Madison team to go to state. Her true passion was teaching modern, ballroom, and social dance, and in 1977 she developed the Tower Twirler show dance group at EHS. In 1970 she married John Nicka and welcomed their only daughter in 1973. They were married for 51 years before John’s passing in 2022. Betty enjoyed athletics, gardening, traveling, music & dance, special gatherings, and especially, time with her family & friends. She was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Besides being a dedicated educator and favored teacher, she was ambitious, generous, and gave her time to care for others, including many family members & friends.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Karyn Nicka (Zak Holmes & his sons); grandchildren Michela, Alexa, Kelly, and John Wood; brothers Arnie and Marv Lindberg and their families, including nephew Mykel and niece Caroline; cousin Gene (Rita) Fredenberg; the extended Malmloff & Lendborg families; and special friends & relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stanley; husband, John; and many special relatives & friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to establish a scholarship for EHS Female Athletes, and to support the Bethel Media Ministry. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the care staff of SSM St. Mary’s 7SW & 5SW; SSM Health at Home Hospice; Joane McCarthy, and would especially like to acknowledge Karyn, Kelly, and John for their loving care of Betty.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Betty Nicka

June 02, 1937 - July 21, 2024

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