Gary E. Nicholas, 73, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 3:37 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born June 25, 1952, in Galesburg, the son of Lawrence E. and Joan F. (Morrow) Nicholas.
Gary is survived by his brother, Dale Nicholas of Galesburg; three sisters, Susan (and Brian) Fones of Colona, Illinois, Christine (and David) Wells of Galesburg, and Carol (Jeremy) Courson of Maquon, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jimmy Nicholas; and a special friend, Cathy.
Gary began his career at Maytag Manufacturing Company in Galesburg in 1974. He worked as a janitor there for over 38 years, retiring in 2004. He was a dedicated member of Radiant Church in Galesburg. Deeply spiritual, Gary traveled throughout the United States and into Canada to attend church revivals. He especially loved visiting Branson, Missouri, where he spent time with his special friend, Cathy. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, and caring for pets—particularly his beloved dog, Wrinkles.
A visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service, Galesburg Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Pastor Mark Dexter will officiate. Memorials may be made to the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.