SYRACUSE – Mildred Nicolai, 102, Syracuse, passed away at 10:08 a.m. Aug. 21, 2015, at Goshen Hospital. She was born Feb. 28, 1913, to Jesse and Maude Miller. On June 17, 1933, she married the love of her life, Harry R. Nicolai, who preceded her in death. Except for an early childhood move where she and her family homesteaded on the plains of Montana, she made her home and life in Syracuse. She and her husband founded and operated Nicolai Machine Shop. She was an accomplished homemaker, baker and cook; and she never tired of playing Yahtzee and Rummikub with family and friends. The pride of her life was her son, Larry D. Nicolai. She played an active role throughout his childhood and loved attending high school athletic events to cheer him on. She opened her home with love and lemon meringue pie for Larry and his friends to gather for good times and delicious meals. Her relationship with him was unmatched. His unconditional love, commitment and devotion to Mildred, especially in her golden years, created an unbreakable trust and deep-rooted connection with her. She saw him not only as her son but also her best friend and confidant. She was an active member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and attended Calvary United Methodist Church after the EUB Church merged with the Methodist church. She loved to worship at the annual community “Boat-In Worship,” conducted from Memorial Day through Labor Day. She embodied the true spirit of Christianity and love for the Lord. The world has lost one of its angels, as we mourn the loss of this special lady who endured and conquered challenges that words cannot adequately describe. She never met a stranger, and all were welcome into her heart and home. She was never happier than when she had a house full of company, and she adored having visitors over the last two years as a resident at Miller's Merry Manor, Syracuse. She loved life and any and all who were privileged to know her, loved her, too. She will be sorely missed by her loving family and large circle of friends and acquaintances. The family extends a special thanks to the staff at Miller's Merry Manor for the loving care they provided to Mildred during her 22 months as a resident, and to the “dream team” of doctors, surgeons, and nurses at Goshen Hospital who lovingly cared for her in her final days. Survivors are: her son, Larry (and spouse Debi) Nicolai; three grandchildren, Heather R. (and spouse Matthew) Salcius, Jason L. (and spouse Kathleen) Nicolai and Lindsey C. Nicolai; five great-grandchildren, Nicholas D. and Matthew S. Hensley, Jason G., Benjamin L. and Erin A. Nicolai; a sister, Marilyn J. Hodgson; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; cousins; forever friends, old and new; and her ever-faithful pastor and friend, the Rev. Harlan Steffen. She also was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Shirley Jean. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, with the Rev. Harlan Steffen officiating. Burial is in Solomon Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery near Benton. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association (for Boat-In Worship), 10419 N. Turkey Creek Road, Syracuse, IN 46567; or to a charity of your choice. Condolences via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
