Anthony Nickas, age 72 of Knoxville, Illinois entered his new life on 12:09 A.M. on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the Richard L. Owens Hospice House in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by his family.
He was born on October 6, 1942 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of George and Jeannette McCulloch Nickas. He attended and graduated from Galesburg High School in Galesburg, Illinois. He married Brenda R. Tofilski Wiley on February 3, 1967 in Galesburg, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife, Brenda Nickas of Knoxville, Illinois; his children: Gregory Wiley of Galesburg, Illinois, Susan Heynen of Knoxville, Illinois and Jeffrey (Ginger) Nickas of Alpha, Illinois; grandchildren: Joshua (Heather) Heynen, Jacob Brody, Josie Nickas, Kole Wiley and Maelle Wiley; two great grandchildren, Lexi Heynen and Kadin Wiley; and his sisters: Grace Nickas of Galesburg, Illinois and Helen (Marvin) Masters of Galesburg, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, David and Chris.
He served in the United States Air Force from November 13, 1961 to August 12, 1966.
He was a truck driver and over the years worked for Dohrn, Tobler, Munson, Case and Standard Fowarding. He attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg, Illinois; he was a member of the NRA; and Little John Conservation Club. He enjoyed Fishing, hunting and spending time at Spudos with his coffee club and family gatherings. He was a supporter of the Defenders of Freedom in Galesburg, Illinois.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, August 7, 2015 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg, Illinois. Rev. Harold Berrian will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 Honor Guard of Galesburg, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Defenders of Freedom. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
