Gerald Nicholas

Gerald E. “Bud” Nicholas, 86, of Belvidere was called home Sunday, February 19, 2017, in his home. Born September 17, 1930, in Springfield, the son of William Lyle and Mae Ola (Jackson) Nicholas. Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. Married Virginia A. Garnhart on September 2, 1950, in Quincy; she passed away June 10, 1983. Married Dorothy Melquist on August 26, 1989. Employed by the Rockford Park District for many years. Formerly employed by Rockford School District. Member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and Navy Club. Member of Robert Carlson Post #1207 where he was past commander and marched in the Color Guard. Bud also placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He enjoyed dancing, riding his 1936 Harley with sidecar, playing tennis, golf and cribbage. Bud was an avid Chicago White Sox fan. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Linda Meiborg and Stephanie (Bob) Bloom; Dorothy’s children: son, Dale (Jan) Melquist; daughters, Donna (James) Linhart and Debra (Barry) Maltby; grandchildren, Carrie Ann Ring, Terry (Deanna) Bloom, Sheri (Patrick) McWilliams, Michelle Bloom, Brian Meiborg, Michael (Michelle) Melquist, Connie Wells, Chris (Julie) Linhart, Todd (Tara) Linhart, Greg Linhart, John (Tina) Steinhaur and Jennifer (David) Shedbalkar; great-grandchildren, Jared, Nicholas, Alyssa, Alexi, Justin, Gavin, Finley, Nolan, Noah, Brennan, Alyssa, Shyla, Thomas, Kayla, Seth, Bryant, Drew, Courtney, Zachary, Noah, Jilly, John Jr., and Tori; nephews, Gregory Wright, Barney Wright and Mark Gruner; and niece, Jill Grove. Predeceased by his sisters, Maxine Wright and Jeanie Gruner; and brother, Wayne Nicholas. Special thanks to AA, the Doctors and family.

Service at 11 a.m. Friday, February 24, in St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 23, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.