Robert “Bob” Nickodemus went to be with his Savior on November 2, 2023, following a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family. Bob was born to Otto and Freda Nickodemus on July 14, 1933, in Reese, Michigan. He attended Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan, where he was a member of the swim team and crossed paths with the love of his life, Nancy Boertman. They both pursued their education at Central Michigan University, where they married in 1954 and earned teaching degrees. Returning to Saginaw, Michigan, Bob taught woodshop at Saginaw High and later assumed the role of Vocational Director for Saginaw County. During this period, he earned his master’s degree and taught night classes at Delta College. Bob led a bustling life, deeply involved in his church and began each day in the Word.

Bob possessed remarkable manual skills. In 1970, he constructed their dream home on Wildwood Lake in Wolverine, Michigan. Their retirement days were filled with swimming to the raft, tinkering in the garage, enjoying leisurely pontoon rides on the lake for happy hour, and playing a round of golf at the nearby course. In Michigan, Bob served as President of the Wildwood Lake Homeowners Association, where he even crafted the loon welcome sign, which stands proudly to this day, alongside the very first pavilion for the WVPOAC. In Florida, Bob was pontoon captain for over 20 years at the Lake Tarpon Lodge. He engaged in various construction projects, from building homes to a sailboat, and generously assisted numerous families and friends over the years. Bob embraced life to the fullest, partaking in activities such as scuba diving, snow skiing (also as a member of the National Ski Patrol), sailing, and golfing, among others. His cherished activity partner and, most importantly, soulmate, Nancy, stood by his side for 69 wonderful years.

Bob is fondly remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His infectious smile and willingness to offer a helping hand left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He never encountered a stranger he didn’t like, and the same sentiment applied to cookies and ice cream! As we reminisce about him, we envision him whistling the tune to “Edelweiss” in Heaven and playing the harmonica as he watches over us from his heavenly seat, perhaps after a game of Euchre. His sayings, “skill and science always triumph” and “I know which side my bread is buttered on,” will forever echo in our hearts.

Bob is now our guardian angel, watching over his beloved Nancy, daughter Lynn, son-in-law Brent, son Tim, daughter-in-law Jamie, grandchildren Janessa and her husband Tim, Jayson and his wife Tifanee, Kelsey and her husband Trey, and great-grandchildren Banyan, Jaxson, and Everlee. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family and friends, both in Michigan and Florida, who enriched Bob and Nancy’s lives immeasurably. To honor Bob’s memory, we will host a celebration of life after Thanksgiving at the Tarpon Lake Lodge on Thursday November 30th at 12pm and another this summer at the Wildwood Lake Club House. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Little Traverse Conservancy at Landtrust.org.