Mr. Robert (Bob) Bernell Nicholson

Robert "Bob" Bernell Nicholson was born on April 18, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the oldest son of Brooks and La Verne (La Grone) Nicholson. During his early years, Robert resided with his parents and his brother, Lamont Nicholson in East St. Louis, Illinois. Robert moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1955 where he attended Hopkins Elementary and North Division High School, prior to graduating from Rufus King High School in 1960. After High School, Robert attended Milwaukee Area Technical College, before matriculating to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Education - and a Master's degree in Sociology. As a young boy, Robert developed a desire for working and making his own money, and secured his first jobs as a Journal Sentinel paperboy and a store clerk at a neighborhood supermarket. The importance of work and self-sufficiency stuck with Robert and led him to a lifetime of employment experiences. Some of the positions and places where he worked included: Sales Associate and Department Manager at Gimbels Schusters (Wauwatosa, WI), Manager at Delco (Oak Creek, WI), Manager at Inland Steel (Gary, IN), Director at Family Services and Concentrated Employment Program (Milwaukee, WI) and Exceptional Education Teacher at Milwaukee Public Schools (Milwaukee, WI). Robert was a renaissance man of sorts, outstandingly versatile and well rounded, with an expertise in several fields and activities - as he was never satisfied with merely working for others. His varied interests led him to develop, own and operate several businesses of his own, including The Oasis Movie Complex (Milwaukee, WI), Harper Nicholson Restaurant and Refrigeration (Chicago, IL) and Nicholson & Associates (Milwaukee, WI) to name a few. Robert was a charming, gregarious and larger than life sort of man, who was popular and blessed with many friends. His interests were many and his skills were plentiful. He was an avid reader, who was also involved in politics and thought of himself as a social activist. He lived his life with enthusiasm and relish. Robert worked hard during business hours - and immensely enjoyed his personal time as well. He was happy, cordial and passionate - usually smiling and ready to tell a few of his stories or engage in meaningful conversation. He had a gentle side to him, but yet he definitely was never a wilting flower or door mat - and pity the person who ever thought that they could walk over him without consequence. Of all the things that were important in life to Robert, nothing mattered more than his family. He loved his children dearly, was always there for them and tried his best to be a positive influence in their lives. Robert was dedicated to his fiance, Jackolyn, and enjoyed every moment of the time that they spent together. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Brooks and La Vern Nicholson. He is survived by his fiancé, Jackolyn Mathews; children - Deborah McGowan (and Roger) of Frankfort, IL, Brandon Nicholson (and Erin) of Beaverton, OR, Alana Nicholson of San Jose, CA, Candice Nicholson of Los Angeles, CA, Leavy Mathews of Washington DC, Shawna Stephens of Racine, WI and Shawn Stephens (and McKenzie) of Des Plaines, IL; grandchildren - Charles Steward of Country Club Hills, IL, Jordan Steward of Frankfort, IL, Jalen Nicholson of Beaverton, OR, Leila Nicholson of Beaverton, OR, Maebry Stephens of Des Plaines, IL and Marek Stephens of Des Plaines, IL; brother - Lamont Nicholson of Milwaukee, WI; sister - Elaine Neuman of Irvine, CA; niece, Leisha Smith-Townsend of Brea, CA; nephews - Lamont Bush of Milwaukee, WI, John Nicholson of Milwaukee, WI, Christopher Nicholson of Tempe, AZ and many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Robert (Bob) Bernell Nicholson

April 18, 1943 - May 26, 2016