Betty Nicka
June 02, 1937 - July 21, 2024
Obituary
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.
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Memories
MR
Mary Redlin
Other • 9 months ago
One of my favorite gym teachers. She encouraged all of us girls in sports to do our best. My condolences to Karyn, relatives and friends. She will be missed by many. Mary Redlin, class of 1974.
MH
Mark Hohlstein
Other • 9 months ago
I took tennis lessons from Betty in the early seventies at Warner Park. I was very lucky to have her as my teacher. She was a wonderful person...
PM
Pat Terasa Maniaci
Other • 9 months ago
Karyn, sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family in the passing of your Mother! She was my favorite phy ed teacher at East High when I went there. This was before she married your dad or you were thought of. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that your Mother was loved by so many people. She not only touched you and your family by her love and caring but she touched so many other people throughout her life. She was definitely a memorable person! Hugs sent to you! ❤️🩹 Pat Terasa Maniaci
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Cathy Cuccia
Other • 9 months ago
Thanks to Mrs. Betty Nicka, we had a girls after school sports program in which I participated. I enjoyed being on the 1972 girls' track team which I think was the first year it was offered. I've always liked athletics and now at age 70 I still enjoy playing tennis, swimming, bicycling, downhill skiing, and dancing. Cathy Cuccia, East High Class of 1972
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Jeff Huxtable
Other • 9 months ago
I was a Tower Twirler and enjoyed it greatly thanks to Betty's leadership. I was so glad to run into her a few years back on a visit to Madison and express my appreciation for her efforts. My condolences to your family.
JB
Jim Baker
Other • 9 months ago
What a wonderful person. I was blessed to have spent six semesters in Social Dance Class (and every study hall) learning ballroom dance from her. Her love of dance was contagious and it was clear that sharing it brought her great joy. My family attended Bethel Church and my mother and her were friends. This gave me many opportunities to reminisce with her about dancing and share how much I enjoyed her classes and the life long impact she had made in my life. It was a joy to see her face light up when we would talk about it. What an amazing lady that made so many peoples lives better. She lives on in all our hearts. God Bless.