Service Details
A memorial celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, MARCH 6, 2021, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Visitation will be from 10:30am until the time of the memorial service.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorial Donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, Tunnels to Towers, Shriners Hospital for Children St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Racine Public Library.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Miller's Flowers
Jo Ann Nicholson, 71, passed away at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha on Sunday, February 14, 2021. She was born in Racine on January 25, 1950, daughter of the late Edwin and Sophie (Née: Kuzia) Hilicki.
Jo Ann was united in marriage to the love of her life, Daniel Curtis Nicholson, on August 21, 1971, at St. Mary’s Church in Racine, WI. Jo Ann graduated from Washington Park High School in 1968 and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree Majoring in Management with a Support (Minor) in Professional Communication from Alverno College in December of 1980. Jo Ann was employed at Western Publishing and CNH(CASE) until her retirement in 2012.
To know Jo Ann, you would know becoming a grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren was the most satisfying pursuit she had next to her avid love of reading. JoJo enjoyed many authors and had quite the book collection. A few of her favorite authors were Vince Flynn (JoJo often said we need more guys like Mitch Rapp), James Patterson, John Grisham, David Baldacci, and Michael Connelly.
Jo Ann loved gardening and even just being in the outdoors with Megan’s children picking in her two vegetable gardens or going to Minnesota to play with Brett’s children. She liked trying her luck with slot machines and lottery/scratch off tickets. Jo Ann and Dan often took trips to Wisconsin casinos, Las Vegas and Biloxi, MS. Jo Ann loved going to her grandchildren’s events and truly treasured the time spent with her family cooking a great meal when they were all able to get together.
Jo Ann leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of over 49 years, Dan Nicholson; son, Brett (Marcia) Nicholson; daughter, Megan (Juan) Rico; grandchildren, Gianna Rico, Sophia Rico, Hailey Nicholson, Brady Nicholson; sister, Mary Ann Oertel; brother Rich (Chris) Hilicki; brother-in-law, Ronald (Diane) Nicholson; sister-in-law, Sandi Meijer; nieces and nephews, Lorry (John) Matheson, Ron Oertel, Jean (Ryan) Josie, Ali Meijer, Cheli (Chad) Adams, Charlie (Tammy) Nicholson, Darla Hitzeman, Suzanne VanderSys, Cyndi (Jim) Petersen, Ricky (Diane) Schulte, Julia Maddox, Peter (Jane) Ince, Phillip Ince, Cathy (John) Marrari, Julia Ince; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to her parents, Jo Ann is preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Charles Nicholson and Lawrence Oertel; sisters-in-law, Marion (Frederick) Schulte, and Jeanne (James) Ince.
A memorial celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, MARCH 6, 2021, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Visitation will be from 10:30am until the time of the memorial service. Memorial Donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, Tunnels to Towers, Shriners Hospital for Children St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Racine Public Library.
Harriet A Newland says
Dan and family, so sorry to hear of JoAnn’s passing..It has been a long time since I’ve seen both of you, Thinking of you.
Harriet Newland
South Carolina
John Palmgren says
Dan, so sorry for your loss, our condolences to your family.
John W. Smith says
Rest in Peace JoAnn… Loved working with you in HR/Benefits at CNH…
Darlene Heiden says
What a wonderful person to know. I worked with JoAnn at Western Publishing for many years. So sorry Dan. It was my pleasure to have worked with her, we worked hard but had fun conversations many times.
Jean Ayers says
Dan, Rick & I are so sorry to hear about JoAnn’s passing! Way to young! Our sincere condolences to you & your family.
Jean & Rick Ayers
Randy Steger says
Dan, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God will hold you in his arms while you are grieving JoAnn passing. You will be in my Prayers My Brother,
Cherri Chambliss says
Dan, so sorry to hear of JoAnn’s passing. Sending you & your family my heartfelt sympathies. May peace be with you.
Sue (Kuzia) Schliesmann says
Dan and Family, my heart goes out to you at this very sad time. I have many fun-filled memories of playing with Joann when we were kids. As cousins, we spent many, many hours together. My sympathy.
Barb Suprak says
Dan – So sorry to hear about the loss of JoAnn. What a shock. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jim Pirnstill says
I never had the pleasure of meeting your wife but I sure enjoyed working with you at CNH. You have my deepest sympathy and pray that JoAnn rests in peace!
Michael T. Nelson says
Dan, and Families, I am so sorry for you’re loss. You or JoAnn probably didn’t really know me, but I remember both of you, and am saddened by this event. I hope as JoAnn’s story say’s she had the time of her life with those Grandchildren. They i’m certain they fulfilled her life completely. Remember the 49 wonderful years you had together, I don’t think many In our class can claim that achievement.
Jan Buse says
Dan, I am so sorry for your loss, Jo-Ann was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all!
Please take comfort in our love for you and Jo-Ann.
Bob Evans & Lynn Evans says
Please accept Lynn’s and my sincere condolences. I have known you both for all of your 49 years of marriage and even before that. Know that she will be loved and missed by many.
Wayne F Rabideau says
Dan, so sorry to hear about your loss. JoAnn’s passing was a shock. You and your family will be in our prayers. Heartfelt condolences and may she rest in peace.
Rocky Herchen says
My heartfelt sympathy goes to Dan Nicholson and family, Mary Ann Oertel and family and Rich Hilicki and family for your loss of JoAnn.
Cathy, John & Lorena Marrari says
Uncle Dan, Megan & Brett and families,
So very sorry for your sudden loss, (especially during this pandemic!) Aunt JoAnn was always so welcoming and friendly at our family get-togethers. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Cathy, John & Lorena Marrari
Jo Ann Clouthier says
I knew Jo Ann since 1984 when we both started out at the Creative Center (Western Publishing). For many years we would do dinner after work and once we both were retired we did a monthly lunch. She was my book lady and usually would bring a box of books for me to read and return either to the Library or to UAUW Book Fair. She made me a lover of a good book and a variety of authors. She was a special friend and I will miss her very much.
Kirk Engholt says
Dan – Lynn & I are so sad on hearing of your loss with the passing of Jo Ann. Sending our condolences and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat (Grzyb) Callender and Candy (Grzyb) Ohan says
Dan and family; Mary Ann; Rich—Our most sincere prayers and thoughts to all of you. Happy and fun memories of JoAnn playing together on Gillen Street, at St. Stanislaus, at Park High, and Case. JoAnn was so much fun to hang around with and always was laughing and smiling. Some of the best recipes in the Polish cookbook are from her mom, Sophie. We smile at the thought of her. Our sincere sympathy to you.
Denise Rossi says
I met Joann at Western Publishing. Have great memories of a lovely sweet person also kind and gentle. May she rest in peace in God’s loving embrace. Prayers to all of her family.
Tom Csik says
Dan, so sorry to hear of Joann’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tom Csik
Nadine (Schick) Guirl says
Dan, although many years have passed since I’ve seen you two, I’m saddened to learn of JoAnn’s passing. My memories of her are of a lovely, kind and good person. God’s blessings to you and your family. May your decades of great memories provide comfort.
Sandi Meijer says
Dear brother Dan, Joanne touched many lives and will be missed. All were shocked by her passing as she was a very private, and uncomplaining person in reference to her health. I and my children send you our condolences and much love. Sandy
Suzanne, Michael, Lil' Mike, and Sean Vander Sysr Sys says
Suzanne Vander Sys says
Dear Uncle Dan, We are so sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss of Jo Ann.
She was one of the nicest and sweetest of persons. Our whole family sends our
heartfelt condolences and love.
Sue Eldridge says
Dan,
So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed my conversations with Jo Ann with many laughs. Her smile was infectious. Cherish your years of memories and it should help your heavy heart. RIP Jo Ann.
Sue Eldridge
Herb and Paula Meyer says
Dan, so sorry to learn of your loss with JoAnn’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family.
Bill Liddell says
Dan, Kittie and I are so sorry for your loss and JoAnn’s passing. We really enjoyed the occasions that we were with y’all and the way that you made us welcome in your life. We know that she will be missed.
Gary R. Beyer says
Though separated by many miles and years, please know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers during these trying times always. Bless you.
Jerry and Pat Beyer says
We’re sorry to hear about Jo Ann’s death. What a huge loss for your family.
Rick Wiegel says
Dan – so very sorry to hear of Jo Ann’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. May the support of your many friends help to comfort you during this difficult time.
Jim Eisenhut says
Dan,Youhave my deepest sympathy-JimEisenhut Surprise Arizona