Donald A. "45" Nickolay, age 68, of Elko New Market, died Monday, March 22, 2021 with his wife at his side after a brief illness at University of Minnesota Hospital.  Don was born on July 27, 1952 in New Prague to Francis J. and Lorraine L. (Shimota) Nickolay.  He attended St. Wenceslaus School, graduated from New Prague High School, and attended Faribault Vocational-Technical School in welding.  He married the love of his life, LuAnn R. Achilles on September 9, 1978 in Faribault.  He worked for Kraus-Anderson as a laborer and 49er for 35 years.  Don loved anything that had to do with the outdoors.  He belonged to the New Market Sportsman Club and the Minnesota Conservation Federation and enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He could be found often on his motorcycle and was an active member of the BPM Motorcycle Club.  His greatest joy came from the time spent with his grandchildren; they were the motivation that kept him going when health challenges made life a little difficult.  He had a ready smile and a gentle spirit and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Don is survived by his wife, LuAnn of Elko New Market; children, Jason Nickolay of Elko New Market, Jon Nickolay of Elko New Market, Jessica NIckolay of Shakopee, Jennifer (Mike) Davidson of Iron River, WI; grandchildren, Carson Korba, Jada Foster, Lillie & Evelyn Davidson; father, Francis Nickolay; siblings, David (Sharon) Nickolay of Chanhassen, Susan Dantoft (Jeff Fleming) of Burnsville, Carol (Jim) Pukay of Richfield, Tony (Lisa) Nickolay of Wayzata, Robert Nickolay of Edina.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine; brother, Rich.

Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 at 4:00 PM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating.  Masks and social distancing are required.  Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org.  Visitation will occur from 3:00-3:45 at the south shelter in Memorial Park.  Burial will occur at a later date at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.