Nichols Lawrence Nelson, DDS

Nichols Lawrence Nelson, DDS

Nichols L. Nelson, DDS, aged 67, passed quickly yet peacefully surrounded by his beloved family in the early morning hours of December 4th, 2023. He left far earlier than anticipated after several courageous health battles throughout his lifetime.

Nick was born in Fort Riley, Kansas on January 27th, 1956 and was a proud “military brat,” living for his first few years on base in Japan. Early life proved adventurous as the family relocated to Milwaukee and ultimately to Big Bend, Wisconsin after his father was decommissioned. Nick enjoyed rural life with his sister, Lorri and loved to share stories of playing “army ranger”, and his love for his dogs.

Nick attended Boys Tech in Milwaukee, and proudly bragged of several pranks he was able to pull off successfully, graduating in 1974. Nick graduated from Marquette University in 1979, a proud Warrior, and would happily share the story of his experience of being on campus for the “big win for the NCAA Championship”. He went on to Marquette University School of Dentistry, graduating in 1984.

Nick met the love of his life, Pattie, through friends. Following several years of dating, married in 1982, and celebrated 41 beautiful years together, and three children. Nick and Pattie enjoyed building and creating a beautiful life together. Nick was a very proud father, and was an ardent advocate at all times for Katie, Mandy, and Nick in all their interests and endeavors.

Dr. Nick met his best friend and business partner, Robert Zelko in the first days of college. Together, they forged a path at Marquette through undergrad and dental school. Nick returned to his hometown of Big Bend, and together opened their practice in July 1985, remaining in business together for nearly 40 years. Dr. Nick cherished his staff (past and present), firmly believing he had “the best staff in the world”, and instilled a sense of pride and compassionate care. He devoted his life to patient care, employing dry wit and humor. He never felt he worked a day in his life, as he loved his career. Nick returned to Marquette as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, and adored his students in Clinic B. Nick loved mentoring, teaching, and passing knowledge to young dental professionals. He fostered a love of dentistry, and to never “take it too seriously. It’s just teeth”.

Dr. Nick had a strong belief in service to others. He served on numerous boards, including the Waukesha County Dental Society, Marquette School of Dentistry Alumni Board, WCTC Hygiene Advisory Committee, amongst others. He was a member of many organized dentistry associations and societies, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Most significantly, Nick was a founding member of the Community Smiles Dental (formerly Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic). Nick helped form, create, and sustain the clinic, and stayed on as a chairman for 14 years, and helped provide $27.7 million in dental care to low income patients.

Though professionally accomplished, Nick also had several eclectic interests and hobbies. Nick was an avid hunter and gunsmith, held his pilot’s license and owned a Cessna airplane, a faithful and impassioned Packer fan, a devoted grill master to the end, and never shied away from any home improvement project. He enjoyed leisure time at the cottage in Packwaukee, and driving his pontoon. He always felt “the one who passes with the most toys, wins”.

Nick was preceded in death but reunited with his parents, William and Kay Nelson and loved yet unborn grandchild(ren). Always a Poppie, he felt optimistic he would now be able to meet and care for his grandchild(ren).

Nick will be remembered by his devoted and caring wife of 41 years, Patricia (nee Iwinski). Pattie served as his sole caregiver through his last days, and the efforts did not go unnoticed. Further celebrated by his loving children, Dr. Katharine (Lee) Nelson Suwalski, Amanda (Austin) Brechue, and Nichols W. (Mandy) Nelson. Adored by five grandchildren, Elisabeth, Addison, Alexandria, Kennedy, and Owen, of which Poppie often stated “had I known how great grandkids were, I would have had them first!”. Nick was loved by his sisters Sharon (the late Ken) Meloy and Lorri (Dr. David) Wanserski, along with countless cousins, nephews, nieces, dear friends, close colleagues, staff, students, and mentees.

Nick had so many talented medical professionals during his life and his battles. On behalf of Nick/Dad, we would like to thank Dr. Christopher Hake for his compassion, Dr. Tiffany Glazer and Dr. Aaron Weiland for their skillful care, Dr. Ryan Brennan for his clinical knowledge, and Dr. Jacob Laine for his expertise, along with many patient nursing staff. Nick was nothing short of a demanding and knowledgeable patient at all times.

Nick had a deep sense of stoicism through his numerous health battle and maintained that sentiment to the very end, often stating to “pull yourself up by the bootstraps and keep marching”. Therefore, though he was not given the length of a full lifetime, we ask we celebrate the width of his time, with more joy and laughter than tears and sorrow.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capital Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Thursday, December 21, 2023 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, until time of service at 7:00 PM.

The Nelson family has decided to donate memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and to the Community Smiles Dental. A fund will be established in his name and memory to further his mission for compassionate patient care.

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