Ernest "Ernie" C. Nicholas

     Ernest “Ernie” C. Nicholas, 68, of Black River Falls and formerly of Sparta, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021. He was born November 3, 1952, to John and Dorothy (Franks) Nicholas in Sparta.

     Ernie graduated from Sparta Senior High School in 1970. He worked at All American Lumber for 30 years.

     Ernie married Barbara (Buswell) Nicholas in 1977 in Sparta. They moved to Black River Falls in 1990. He was a member of Tomah Rotary, Black River Falls Lions, and served on the Utility Board in Black River Falls.

     Ernie spent many hours at Skyline Golf Course in Black River Falls, chipping, putting, and socializing.  Invariably celebrating the latest golf league win with his Print Shop teammates Bill, Bob, Mike, and Fred.  He enjoyed fishing and spent the last 20 years making sure there were no fish at all, in the Black River.  When he finally retired from All American Lumber he turned to another great love, building things with his hands.  And, was always working on a project.

    Ernie is survived by his wife, Barbara Nicholas of Black River Falls; his sons, Theran Nicholas of Madison, WI and Luke (fiancé, Leah Parish) Nicholas of La Crosse, WI; two sisters, Patricia Aduddle of Arizona, and Nikki (Mark) Sund of Sparta.

     He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Nicholas; parents, John and Dorothy Nicholas; in-laws, Roger and Trudy Buswell; brother, Michael Nicholas; sister, Sally Nicholas.

     A Celebration of Life for Ernie will be at a later date. Private burial will be at a later time in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta. The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be offered to Ernie’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com  In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Ernie’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate

     “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

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