Gerald Nikolaus

Gerald Lamar "Shorty" Nikolaus passed away December 1, 2023 in Show Low, Arizona at the age of 80 years old. Shorty was born to William Lamar Nikolaus (the first mayor of Show Low, AZ) and Elizabeth Lewis Nikolaus on April 22, 1943 in Snowflake, AZ.

He is survived by his spouse of 22 years, Jolene Nikolaus; along with her 2 children, Brian Cinnamon (Jamie) and Karen Cinnamon; and Jolene's 6 grandchildren as well as one great-grandchild. Shorty has 5 children; Jon (Sonya), David (Bethanie), Will (Leslie), Sheri Rogers (Kelly), and Kate (Laura Jackson) - all of whom he shared with Judy Hunt Nikolaus. He has 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Shorty is also survived by his twin sister, Geraldine Nikolaus Hall, along with his other siblings; D.L. Nikolaus, Lorraine Nikolaus Dowdle, and Dale Ray Nikolaus.

He is reunited in death with his beloved parents, older brother, Gerry, grandson Crew, and great-grandson Nash.

Anyone who knew Shorty, knew of his love of the White Mountains. He called Show Low home for most of his 80 year life. He was a star athlete for Snowflake High School, graduating in 1961 - lettering in football, and basketball, as well as track and field. He also played college level basketball at Eastern Arizona College and Grand Canyon University - both with scholarships. In High School, he was a very fast runner and was able to set records for the Lobos football team, along with a 9.6 sec. record for the 100 yard dash at Snowflake, which held until 1981, when schools switched to the 100 M dash. Shorty continued to enjoy playing sports well into his later years of life with many of his friends, family and other relatives.

Shorty also enjoyed the outdoors where he practiced his love of hunting and fishing. He became known far and wide for his 25+ trophies of; white-tail and mule deer, buffalo, elk, antelope, bear, javelina, and even a mountain lion - a "cougar" (which he had mounted and generously donated to the Show Low School District).

Shorty served and worked for most of his life. He was often seen in the aisles stocking the shelves of his family's grocery store, Nick's Market, which was a prominent fixture of the White Mountain area for many many years. He also served as a Bishop in the Show Low 2nd Ward for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Shorty also enjoyed a career of being an educator - having had the opportunity to teach many local children as an elementary school teacher in Snowflake, Linden, and Show Low. Whether at the store, church, or school, he loved and enjoyed serving others.

Shorty loved his family and friends with whom he shared his entire life and created many wonderful memories. He enjoyed sharing his memories of life and loved ones through poetry and stories with those dear associations. Though his zest for life was filled with his love of outdoor, sporting, and family activities - above all and in faith, he believed that we all can be reunited with our loved ones forever with God by choosing to follow the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral Services for Shorty will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing at 10:00 a.m., at the Show Low Downtown Chapel - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 300 N 11th St. in Show Low, AZ. There will also be a viewing on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Owens Livingston Mortuary at 320 N 9th St., Show Low, AZ.

Interment at the Show Low Cemetery following the funeral service.