Leonard M. Nicolai

Leonard M. Nicolai

Leonard Nicolai passed away on Friday, July 6th, 2007 at Sacred Heart Hospital. Known as "Tac" by most, Leonard was born on January 23, 1912 in Chippewa Falls. Tac was the youngest of eleven children born to August and Mary Ann (Gabert) Nicolai. Leonard and Catherine (Kay) Deignan were married on June 6th 1939. Tac and Kay raised two sons John and Michael.

Leonard attended Catholic schools in Chippewa Falls graduating from McDonell High School. Tac attended Eau Claire Normal College for two years. For most of his professional career Tac was employed at Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire Company in Eau Claire where he was a quality control engineer in the dye development department.

A strongly self reliant person, Leonard lived independently in his home until entering the hospital on July 5th.

Tac had a quiet passion for life; his interests were varied. Tac golfed and bowled in numerous leagues for most of his adult years. He continued to golf with family until he turned 93. Tac would never pass up a chance to play a card game with family or friends. He attended parades whenever he could and loved to spend a summer evening at Owen Park listening to the city band.

Regis High School recognized Tac as its greatest athletic fan in 2005, awarding him a life time pass to all athletic events. He was especially loyal to boys and girls basketball, football and baseball events.

Tac was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus involved in all aspects of the John F. Kennedy Council. In 2006 Tac was recognized for 70 years as a loyal Knight.

Tac and Kay were long time members of Immaculate Conception Parish. He was a member of the church council and active in a wide variety of parish activities.

Tac is survived by his sons and their families; John his wife Mary (Meyer) of Eau Claire and their sons Craig (Michele Haller) and Brian, and Mike his wife Lucy (Christen) of Menomonie and their son Matthew and daughter Katelyn. Tac also has three great grandsons, Liam, Riley and Jacob. Tac was uncle to numerous nephews and nieces, as well as several grand nephews and nieces.

Tac was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kay in 1985, his five brothers and five sisters and his parents.

Tac Nicolai enjoyed what life offered him and he made life more enjoyable for all who knew him.

The family thanks the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital who cared for Tac. The care and compassion of Dr. Michael Gonzaga , Mosignor Klimek and Fr. Klink meant so much to Tac and his family.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday evening July 11, 2007 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home and on Thursday morning at the church from 10 am until the time of services. A Catholic mass of burial will take place on Thursday July 12, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Mosignor Edmund Klimek will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Regis High School Athletic Booster Club. Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com. Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.