MADISON - Donald “Don” Nicholls, 86, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, after spending many memorable hours surrounded by his family.

Don was born on August 24, 1939, to Reuben and Mathilda (Massoth) Nicholls at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School for elementary school and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1958. Immediately following high school, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Regiment, 1st Marine Division as a sharpshooter. He was stationed at Camp Margarita in Okinawa for 13 months before being honorably discharged in 1961.

Don dedicated over 40 years of his career as a mechanic with Hultz/Thorstad Chevrolet. During that time, he met the love of his life, Joann (Weisensel). They were married for nearly 62 wonderful years, building a life rooted in faith, family, and shared adventure. Don was generous with his time and always happy to help anyone in need. He was truly a fixer - of cars, roofs, homes, and just about anything else that needed attention. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was a devoted Catholic whose faith guided his life.

He found great joy outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with family and friends. He loved traveling with Joann, whether exploring Europe and Australia, spending time up north on their property, or enjoying time on the BUNK property and the surrounding areas. Don was also a voracious reader of Western novels. Friends and family who stopped by often found him with a book in hand-usually one of Louis L’Amour’s many stories, which he had likely read four or five times before. He never tired of them.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Joann; children, Brian (Molly) Nicholls, Brad Nicholls and Blaine (Katie) Nicholls; seven grandchildren, Justin (Tammy), Nathan, Abigail, Margaret, Rebecca, Emily and Sydney; and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Dean, Rylee and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Mathilda Nicholls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. A luncheon will follow the burial at Marian Hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.

We can’t say thank you enough to the staff at Oak Park Place and Agrace HospiceCare for their kindness, compassion and excellent care and support of both Don and Joann throughout Don’s stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name to the Immaculate Heart of Mary School Education Fund: https://pushpay.com/g/stellamarisparish.

Don’s legacy of love, kindness, quiet generosity, and steady presence will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Donald Reuben Nicholls

August 24, 1939 - March 02, 2026

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