Ray “Nick” Thomas Nicholas Jr.

Obituary's Biography:

Ray “Nick” Thomas Nicholas, Jr., 70, a resident of Ingleside, IL, passed away June 21, 2024 at Northwestern McHenry Hospital in McHenry, IL.  He was born June 28, 1953 in Waukegan, IL to Ray Sr. and Willadene Nicholas.

Nick is survived by his childhood sweetheart, his wife of 50 years, Debra Nicholas, whom he wed on August 25, 1973 in Mundelein, IL, his children Amber (Jeff) Zei and Ryan Nicholas, his grandchildren James Grace and Laura Grace, and his sister Gayle Bohne.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ray Sr. and Willadene Nicholas, and his sister Sally Martens. 

Nick was a faithfully loving husband, an exceptional dad, and a fun-`loving grandpa. His devotion to his wife was an example to all. His creativity and big ideas made for fun childhoods for both his kids and grandkids. The title of Dad and Grandpa weren’t limited to them, as he was a father figure to many, and was well-known as “Grandpa Nick” to the kids’ friend groups.

Nick was a long-time resident of Grayslake, heavily involved in 4H and Boy Scouts, taking his first job as the neighborhood paper boy. He was small-town famous at 10 years of age, when he built an electric go kart with his dad. The wheels didn’t stop turning for him, as he continued to tinker and take on hobbies like antique restoration and making stained glass windows. With his invention of the Cutter’s Mate glass cutter in 1995, he began building what is now Creator’s brand, the family business. After 30 years of working for Imperial Crane as an oiler, he was able to retire and completely pour himself into this family business, which has expanded to include a diverse array of hobby tools.

Nick was actively involved in his church and had a knack for teaching children with his wife Debbie for over 25 years. His creativity made for amazing details for plays and events, whether it was gigantic planets hanging from the ceilings or a miniature roller coaster complete with flashing lights on the stage for Vacation Bible School. His stained glass artwork still hangs in the windows at Living Waters Church.

Nick always thought big, and his heart was even bigger. He was a friend to all who met him–gentle, humble, and incredibly funny. He showed the love of God through the way he lived his life and treated others, and he will be deeply missed.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 28, 2024 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Living Waters Church 525 N. Atkinson Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 at 10:30am.  The burial will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to College of the Ozarks https://www.cofo.edu/Development . Nick appreciated this college for its dedication to developing students to be of Christ-like character, skilled in a trade, hard working and patriotic. He visited to donate and demo his tools for the stained glass department there for the last three years.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

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