Robert Lee Nicolaus (Bob)

Published 4:34 pm Monday, June 9, 2025

Robert Lee Nicolaus (Bob) age 85 passed away at Albert Lea Medical Center after suffering a stroke at home. On Tuesday, June 3rd after breakfast Bob was rushed by ambulance to Albert Lea Mayo Clinic and passed away peacefully around 1:00 PM. He was surrounded by his wife, beloved dog Bella, and family members at his time of death.

A memorial service for Bob will be at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 with a visitation one hour prior. Military honors and a luncheon will follow immediately after the service.

Bob was born on June 11th, 1939 in Burke, South Dakota to Edwin and Freida Nicolaus. At the age of 4 the family moved from Nebraska to the Nelsen, Minnesota area, later settling on a farm north of Alexandria. Bob graduated from Alexandria High School. He went to St. Cloud State University for one year, then enlisted in the Air Force where he served for four years.

Bob was united in marriage to Carol Jenum, together they had three children; Dianna, Michael, and Stephanie. He worked for UPS in Minneapolis and was transferred to Albert Lea as Center Manager, and retired after twenty years.

He owned and operated Pour Boys Sports Bar and Restaurant for twelve years; many friendships were made there. During that time Bob remarried Valerie Larsen and she had two sons; Justin and Brandon.

His next adventure was driving the school bus. For twelve years he watched the kids grow to young adults. Many of them still remembered him as adults.

Bob loved sports; he watched the Twins, Vikings, and Golf. In retirement he enjoyed playing golf and wintering in Florida with his wife for 18 years.

He had a deep love and gentle heart for his kids and grandkids. He was quiet and humble but could show strong emotion.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Val; children, Michael (Karin) Nicolaus, Stephanie (Marc) Johnson, Wayne (Charmain) Sickels, Justin Larsen, and Brandon (Sarah) Larsen; grandchildren, Olivia Nicolaus, Daniel Nicolaus, Andrew Nicolaus, Spencer Doyle, Madison Doyle, Sara (Shane) Sickels, Samantha (Kyle) Bucher, Myranda Gold, Clayton Gold, Sabrina Gold, Leif Gold, and Skylar Larsen; many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Bella.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Dianna Sickels; brother, Verlin Nicolaus; sister, Coletta Flom; parents, Ed and Freida Nicolaus; niece, Lindsey Loehr-Diemer; and nephew, David Nicolaus.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Bob.