Obituary: Lee Ann Nicholson

Lee Ann Nicholson, 74 passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023 in St. Paul. She was born in Cloquet Dec. 22, 1948, to Everett and Lorraine Bassett. She attended Cloquet High School followed by Minneapolis Business College.

She married Morrie Nicholson on Dec. 30, 1967 in Rapid City, South Dakota. She quickly became a mother to two daughters whom she primarily stayed at home caring for before starting her working years.

The family lived briefly in South St. Paul before settling into their Cottage Grove home for more than 30 years. During this time, she worked a variety of jobs before ultimately retiring from her Data Entry position at 3M. By age 55, she was blessed to retire early, moved to her dream home in Amery, Wisconsin, and enjoyed hosting family gatherings, traveling, camping, attending church and engaging in her many hobbies.

She was a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. She was an avid seamstress, a talented artist and a poetic writer who thoroughly enjoyed reading, working puzzles, watching TV, cheering on her favorite sports teams, gardening, boating and sharing the stories of her life. She had a kind and generous spirit, an abundant sense of humor, an infectious smile and showed amazing perseverance and resilience when faced with multiple health challenges during her lifetime.

She was a decade-long survivor of breast cancer. She lived her life loving Jesus and we are confident that she is resting safely in His arms awaiting the time when we will see her again.

Lee is survived by her husband Morrie; daughters Lisa (Royce) Opsal, Barbara (Shawn) Girgen; step-son Michael (Kim) Nicholson; brother James (Linda) Bassett; grandchildren Ryan (Margo) Girgen, Dylan Girgen, Garrett Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Courtney (fiancé Ryan) Opsal, Tyler (fiancé Faith) Opsal, Breann Nicholson, Brandy Nicholson, Nick (Missy) Gresafe; great-grandchildren Ryan, Anthony, Giovanni, Michael, Hannah, James, Alaiya, Hudson, Taylor; and beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and many special lifelong friends.

Lee is preceded in death by her parents Everett and Lorraine Bassett; step-mother Patricia Bassett; sister Jeanne Polo; and furry companion, Boots.

Funeral services took place Aug. 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Amery. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, visit http://www.williamsonwhite.com.