"Marjorie" Nicolaus, 97, was born November 22, 1917 in Ulysses, Nebraska and passed away at Sumner Place in Lincoln, Nebraska on January 10, 2015. Marjorie was one of the sweetest human beings that anyone will ever meet as testified by her friends, family and caregivers. She already is desperately missed by family and friends. Marjorie was born to Homer and Nellie (Detimore) Cross, the first of four children. Marjorie graduated from Bellwood (NE) High School in 1935. Although she was the recipient of a Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska, the economic situation of the time prevented her from utilizing that opportunity. However, it did not stop her from becoming one of the greatest self-educated women of her time. Reading and the love of books became a passion and the source of great enlightenment for Marjorie; and an inspiration and habit for her five children. Marjorie's father, Homer, worked for the Burlington Railroad and the family often moved around to small towns and villages in Nebraska which could be unsettling, but also offered experience with change and new situations. After high school, Marjorie entered the world of work and had a variety of experiences in child care and retail work. During World War II, Marjorie met a young man she later described as "6'2", Eyes of Blue." That would be G.E. "Pete" Nicolaus, whom she married in Seward, Nebraska on April 21, 1944. Marjorie was able to accompany Pete on some of his state side military assignments, including his draft status with the Alabama National Guard. Marjorie remained in Lincoln and Milford, Nebraska while Pete was deployed in Europe. Following Pete's discharge from the US Army, they first settled on the Nicolaus family farm near Staplehurst, NE. During that two year period, their first two children were born: Neal in 1946 and Nancy in 1948. Pete had graduated from Auctioneering School and with Marjorie's support, they embarked on a new business path of Auctioneering, Insurance and Real Estate that took them from the family farm to Gresham, Nebraska and finally to Utica, Nebraska where they lived for the next 50 years. During that time three wonderful children were added to the family. Todd in 1951, Peter in 1956 and Julie in 1961. Marjorie was a loving wife and Mother. In addition to reading, she created an atmosphere of appreciation for music, education, a keen sense of social justice and to her, most importantly, faith in God. Her five children are unique, each in their own way, and she loved each of them "dearly" - her word. She also loved her nephew and five nieces and considered them her bonus children. Marjorie was especially happy when she became a Grandmother in 1978 when Molly was born. That joy was expanded with the addition of Major, Sage, Noah and Micah. And the ultimate joy for her, although she was not able to enjoy it as much by that time, was the gift of two great-grandchildren Eddie and Ava. Marjorie most recently was a member of Plattewoods United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. She is preceded by her parents; husband; step-mother, Louise Cross; brother, Dale Cross; sister, Lineah Stoll. Marjorie is survived by her children: Neal Nicolaus and Susan Johnston, Lincoln, NE; Nancy Nicolaus, Kansas City, MO; Todd and Ginger Nicolaus, Liberty, MO; Peter Nicolaus, Colorado Springs, CO; Julie Nicolaus and Scott Schwaninger, Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren: Molly Nicolaus (Jim Pierce); Major Nicolaus, Sage Nicolaus, Noah Nicolaus-Harms and Micah Nicolaus-Harms. Great Grandchildren: Eddie and Ava. Sister: Betty Lokkeberg. Nephew: Randy Stoll, Nieces: Karen Stoll, Connie Schneider, Lynn Pike, Mary Skellenger, Cathy Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Marjorie's name to Mourning Hope, Grief Support for Children, Teens and Young Adults. 4919 Baldwin Ave., Lincoln, NE. 68512.