NIKOLAUS, Frank (Leland)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/10/2014 Frank “Leland” Nikolaus, 97, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. He passed away within a few feet of the very spot where he was born. Mr. Nikolaus was born Nov. 26, 1916, in Show Low. He was 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. He served 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 he 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 business man 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 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 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 is his family, and he is their greatest hero. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, daughter-in-law Amanda, his parents and all of his siblings. He is survived by two sons, Gordon (Tami) Nikolaus and Bill (Shauna) Nikolaus; three daughters, Janice (Ben) Arney, Debbie (Ed) Miller and Donna (John) Schneider: and 29 grandchildren and 76-great grandchildren. A public visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Show Low at the Downtown Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the church, with an additional viewing beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial will follow at the Show Low Cemetery with military honors. Owens Livingston Mortuary White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit .www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com