Nicholas A. Nolde

Nicholas “Nick” A. Nolde, age 41, of Escanaba, passed away Thursday evening, December 2, 2021 at his mother’s home in Escanaba, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 22, 1980 in Escanaba, the son of Patrick and Mary (DeMay) Nolde. Nick attended Holy Name Catholic School and later graduated from Escanaba High School with The Class of 1998. Following high school, he furthered his education at Central Michigan University where he graduated and received his degree in Secondary Education. Following his time at CMU, Nick pursued his dream to become a Major League Umpire in Daytona Beach, FL. After graduating first in his class, he umpired at multiple levels in Minor League Baseball. After living the mobile lifestyle of an umpire, God gave him the calling to move home to be closer to family and friends. Upon returning home, Nick reconnected with an old classmate that became the love of his life – the former Jessica McCarthy. Nick and Jess were married on August 14, 2010 in Escanaba and together shared 11 years of marriage and raised two children, Leo and Livea. Nick began his teaching career at Holy Name Catholic School, then at Bark River, and later accepted his dream job of Athletic Director at Escanaba High School. While teaching, he officiated many levels of baseball and basketball. Shortly after becoming Athletic Director, Nick was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He was a true warrior and lived longer than any prognosis ever given to him. Nick was an organizer and had a true love of music. He arranged and implemented the local Lake Shore Live event in Escanaba and was a drummer in numerous bands including The Jam Band and Speedy Beef. His faith and family were the driving forces throughout his battle with cancer and he coined the well-known phrase, “Faith Over Fear.” Nick was a Servant of God, a true family man, and a friend to all who will be so deeply missed.

Nick is survived by his wife, Jessica Nolde of Escanaba; his young children, Leo and Livea of Escanaba; mother, Mary (Paul) DeBenedittis of Escanaba; father, Patrick Nolde of Escanaba; one sister, Rachel Nolde of Escanaba; brother-in-law, Pedro Sandoval of Escanaba; one brother, Stephen (fiancé Sarah Carlson) Nolde of Escanaba; mother-in-law, Tina (Jim) Jensen of Escanaba; father-in-law, Ed (Sue) McCarthy of Escanaba; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jason (Jaime) McCarthy of Escanaba, Ed (Jen) McCarthy of Escanaba, and Erin (Luke Liechty) McCarthy of California; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Nick was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Louie and Jean Nolde; maternal grandparents, Pete and Willa DeMay; uncle, Richard DeMay; aunts, Lisa DeMay and Laurie Gardner; and step-father, Gregg B. Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba with Father Fran DeGroot and Deacon Terry Saunders officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. It is requested memorials please be directed to the family for a future scholarship that will be established in Nick’s name. 

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