1942 Gary 2022

Gary Nicholson

July 20, 1942 — April 24, 2022

Gary Raymond “Nick” Nicholson

July 20, 1942 – April 24, 2022

Gary passed peacefully from this world on April 24, 2022, and is now free from the bondage of Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Gary was born in Billings to Roy Luen Nicholson and Anita Fay Mcfate on July 20, 1941, in Billings, Montana. Gary spent his first 62 years in Billings. He attended Garfield School and Billings Senior High. In 1959, he was listed in the Air Force and was assigned to the 6963rd Air Police Squadron as Air Policeman. His duties consisted of monitoring Russian intelligence traffic in Alaska and then law enforcement in the United States Pentagon. He was stationed at sea for nearly 2 years.

He completed his military service and was honorably discharged in 1962, whereupon he returned home to Billings, married, and began a 40-year career with Hines Motor Supply. He was well known at auto shops throughout central and eastern Montana, supplying them with parts and outstanding service. His experience in everything automotive served him well and he was well respected.

He loved old cars. During his time working in Billings, every morning brought him past a 1946 Chevy truck that was neglected and just sitting. After a few years, he was able to purchase the truck from the owner. He drove it for about eight years but was never satisfied with what he envisioned as the truck he really wanted. When he retired in 2004, he was able to focus on the restoration and with the help of his oldest son Gary, it became what he always envisioned. He traveled to car shows and received many trophies.

Gary married the love of his life, Reba, in 1986. Together they spent their time with family and friends grilling on the backyard deck that he built alongside his son Roy. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. In 2004, Gary and Reba retired and moved to Atlantic, Iowa to be mid-way between all of the kids and grandkids.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and Jack, and sister Judy. He is also joining his youngest son Roy Leon Nicholson.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Reba of 36 years. His daughter Cynthia Domek (Steve), and sons Gary Alan Nicholson (Tamara), and Tim Nicholson (Noelle), Stepdaughters Trudy Wendelin, and Dina Wendelin, Grandchildren Joshua, Marina, Iris, Jessica, McKenzie, Richie, and Brady, and great-grand-children Christopher, Charlie, and Heaven, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Interment and Funeral Services are to be scheduled at a later date in the Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery, Laurel, Montana.

Arrangements are pending with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Nicholson, please visit our flower store.

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