Arthur C. “Art” Nicolai, Ed.D, age 88 of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on the night of June 9, 2015, surrounded and comforted by his family.  Art was born in Sutton, Nebraska, on January 12, 1927, the third son of Fred and Martha (Heinz) Nicolai.

Graduating Sutton High School in 1944; he served in the Navy during WWII as a radioman on the aircraft carrier USS Point Cruz (CVE-119).  Art was wed to Glennis DeVasure in Tekamah, Nebraska July 20, 1951.  Earning his B.A., M.A. and Ed.D. from the University of Nebraska by 1966, he taught and coached high school sports in Nebraska from 1952 to 1961.  Art coached Bartley HS to Class D State Track Championship in 1955.  He was HS Principal in Hebron 1962-1965; wanting excellence in teacher education, he moved to Professor of Education at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1966, supervising the education of hundreds of teachers; then retiring as Head of the Department in May 1989.  Art was an avid sportsman and supporter of Wesleyan Athletics including Representative to the NCAA Conference; Spirit of the Plainsman Award 1997; and scorekeeper of basketball games.

Art loved travel. In addition to frequent adventures overseas, he escorted bus tours throughout the U.S., loved golf, swimming, Husker Football, dancing, and coffee with his friends.  Memberships included Christ United Methodist Church; Master Mason – Bartley, NE Lodge Number 228; Sesostris Shrine; American Legion Post 3; Executive Club; American Historical Society of Germans from Russia; and Life Member of UNL Alumni Association.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Fred L. and Frederick Lawrence.

Survived by wife Glennis; daughter, Nancy, of Albuquerque, NM; son, Jim of Cove, TX; and grandsons, Jeremy and Nathan Nicolai of Cove, TX.  He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Art Nicolai Memorial Fund, Nebraska Wesleyan University Athletic Dept. Swim Program, 5000 St. Paul Avenue, Lincoln 68504 or its website.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street.  Visitation one hour prior at the Church.  Graveside Service at 12:30 p.m. with Military Honors at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln.

“Fair Winds and Following Seas.”