Frank “Leland” Nikolaus passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at the age of 97. He passed away within a few feet of the very spot that he was born. A public visitation will be held from 6 to 8 o’clock tonight (Oct. 10) at the Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Show Low. The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the church, preceded by an additional viewing at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at the Show Low Cemetery with military honors.
He was born on Nov. 26, 1916, in Show Low, the oldest of five children born to Joseph William and Maggie Mills Nikolaus. He attended grade school in Show Low and went to high school at the Snowflake Academy, where he was an outstanding athlete in basketball and track. As a young man he kept the family farm going, as well as working hard at any job he could find. He was drafted into the Army, and served four years during World War II with the 7th Army Combat Engineers in Africa, Italy, France and Germany building roads and bridges behind the main force. Serving his country during this time was something he has always been proud of.
After the war Leland came home and met the love of his life, Betty Ramsey. They were married Oct. 7, 1947, in the Mesa LDS Temple. They made their home in Show Low, and eventually built their home on the original site of the home he was born and raised in.
For 35 years he served as a self-made businessman, establishing one of the largest fabric and department stores this side of Mesa. It was through Nick’s Variety and Department Store that he had the opportunity to meet and serve the White Mountain community. There were very few people who didn’t know the name of Leland Nikolaus.
He was an active member of the LDS church, holding numerous positions throughout his life. He served in the Scouting program for 26 years and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved going to the temple in Snowflake and would attend every week that he could. He loved roping and working with his sons on the church ranch, which he did for 20 years. It wasn’t until he reached the age of 89 that he had to give up the ranch and put his horse to pasture.
His greatest joy was his family, and he is their greatest hero.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his daughter-in-law, Amanda; his parents; and all of his siblings.
Survivors include two sons, Gordon (Tami) Nikolaus and Bill (Shauna) Nikolaus; three daughters, Janice (Ben) Arney, Debbie (Ed) Miller and Donna (John) Schneider; 29 grandchildren; and 76 great-grandchildren.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.
