Michael J. Nicholas, 49, died at 8:41 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at his Lafayette residence, apparently of a heart attack.
He was born Sept. 20, 1961, in Crawfordsville, to James M. Nicholas of Lafayette and the late Judith A. Dixon Nicholas. He graduated from Downers Grove (Ill.) High School South and attended Northern State University in South Dakota and Indiana State University.
On July 23, 1983, he married Cynthia Marie Pancoska. They were divorced.
Mr. Nicholas was a detailer for Graphic Services and worked for Ron Morehouse Lawn Care for the past year. He previously worked at the former family business, Country Café for three years. He also worked for 17 years in Florida for Hulett Environmental Services.
He attended Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, mushroom hunting and going to festivals and demolition derbies.
Surviving with his father are his sons, Nathan Michael Nicholas and Alex Quinn Nicholas (fiancée: Abbie DeWald), both of Warrenville, Ill., and Edward West of Lafayette; a brother, James D. Nicholas (wife: Jennifer) of Lawrence, Mich.; two sisters, Ginger R. Nicholas and his twin, Michelle J. Zerbes, both of Lafayette; and his companion, Brenda Mills of Lafayette.
Also surviving are two grandchildren, David Jerome Nicholas and Tony DeWald; nieces, Brandi McGreevy, Jacy Nicholas and Jessica Nicholas; and nephews, Jeremy Nicholas, Jimmy Nicholas and Elijah Nicholas, as well as beloved great-nieces and nephew and cousins. Preceded in death by his mother, Judith A. Nicholas, and fiancée Anne West.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Monday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., with service there at 4 p.m. Monday. Those wishing may contribute to the Almost Home Humane Society.