Nicholas Kaiser 1933-2024
SUBMITTED BY THE KAISER FAMILY
Our Dad sadly left us. Nicholas Thomas Kaiser passed away on 5 June, 2024. He was 90. Nick was born on December 6, 1933 in Houghton, Michigan to Grace Eleanor Richards and Nicholas Jacob Kaiser. He was the oldest of two children – with younger sister Jane serving as his foil as they grew up in the U.P. – Upper Peninsula. Dad was active in high school – with hockey emerging as his main passion. A medical issue cut short his high school sporting career. It did not, however, curtail his love of sports. Dad was a super fan of the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, University of Michigan and any team that might be playing Notre Dame. He was also the ultimate fan for any sport that his children and then grand children played. Dad left Houghton and went to Appleton, Wisconsin – where he attended Lawrence College.
It was here that he met one Helen Elizabeth Williams. It had to have been arranged by God – as they fell in love and became the dynamic duo that they were – marrying on 3 September 1955.
Life quickly changed for them – as they hit the ground running like most young couples to start a family. Dad had a stint in what was then called the Army Air Corps. He and mom experienced military life at his base in Rantoul, Illinois. After leaving the military, Dad began what would become a highly successful career achieved thru effort, commitment, relationships and sacrifice. Sacrifice was the numerous moves that he and his family made as part of navigating the corporate ladder. As a result – home for Nick and his family had locations like Sault Ste Marie, Michigan; Ashtabula, Ohio; Paducah, Kentucky; Louisville, Kentucky; Youngstown, New York; St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania; Sewickley, Pennsylvania and eventually Boca Grande, Florida. Dad was successful – rising to become President / CEO of Carbon Graphite Group. The culmination of his years learning not only about business but also how to manage and work with people – became a trait that Nick used in life – be it supporting the high school booster clubs, raising funds for a church organ or assisting with the Harry Chapin Food Bank – which he loved so very much. He was the ultimate team player – preferring to win rather than receive the accolades. Dad liked to get things done.
Nick and Helen did create a family – with son Nicholas Frank arriving on the scene shortly after their marriage. Thomas Williams and Douglas Fulton followed next – with David Richards joining the team. Sadly, David passed at a young age – and the weight of this loss remained with Nick and Helen forever. A girl finally arrived – Laura Ann – to help soften things and create some balance. Timothy David completed the initial family tree. As a family – Nick and Helen incorporated “sugar and spice” – with Dad being the sugar. Arriving home after a week on the road – things softened a bit and created the balance that was needed for his wife who was tasked with the heavy lifting. Nick and Helen dreamed of returning to their roots – Sault, Michigan and the beauty of Lake Superior. They purchased a spot on Goulais Bay – a small, unassuming part of White Fish Bay and Lake Superior in Canada. Christened “Camp David” – this plot of land became the center piece for Nick, Helen and our family. Camp David was the site for annual family reunions, church socials, games of Sequence and Cribbage, numerous visits by friends and the place where memories were captured with photographs and memorialized on the wall of their sitting room. No matter where Nick went, friendships were made and these lasted for as long as he lived. Being a friend of Nick’s was something special. Did require an effort to gain entrance to this club. Once in however, one remained a friend for life.
In addition to his five children, Nick is survived by his sister Jane Reckmeyer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law Charlotte Williams of St. Paul, Minnesota; Margaret (John) Bracewell of Ithaca, New York; daughter-in-law, Lindsey Kaiser who patiently took wonderful care of him over the last several years; grandchildren Nicholas, Sydney, Julia, Clay, David, Thomas, Nicole, Logan, Gavin, Brynley, Molly, Zachary, Grace and Jacob; great granddaughters – Layla and Penelope Jane; and great grandson Charles Anthony. Nick’s faith and quiet passion for Jesus ensures that he will now be in Heaven – reunited with the love of his life – Helen, son David, and granddaughter Toni. His passing will create a void in the hearts of so many. While gone – he will never be forgotten. God now has a super fan in His House in one Nicholas Thomas Kaiser. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ted & Diane Brandley House (Hospice of Marion County) or the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on 26 October 2024 at Lighthouse United Methodist Church on Boca Grande, Florida. Details specific to this event will be shared at a later date.
