It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Nikolai, on November 21, 2024, at the age of 8. Nikolai filled every day with joy, laughter, and boundless love. He was a spark of light with a heart of gold.

Nikolai was a tenacious soccer player, always giving his all on the field. Off the field, his infectious smile, constant singing, stubborn nature and goofy antics—like making silly faces and doing “The Griddy”—brought laughter and warmth to every room he entered. He was everyone’s friend at school, a boy who made everyone feel included and valued.

With dreams of becoming both a hero and a soccer star, Nikolai showed his caring nature every day. If someone was hurt, he was the first one to lend a hand. He was sweet, sensitive, kind, smart, and funny—a young boy with a rare ability to light up the lives of those around him.

Nikolai now joins his great grandparents as he lovingly called them, “Great Grandma and Grandpa Mint” (Patsy and Donald Minturn) and Great Grandpa Salvatore in eternal peace. Nikolai was the cherished son of Natalie and Justin. Loving brother to Gianna, Carsen, Maddex and Kayla. The treasured grandson to Dianne and Steve, Linda and James, Jacqueline and Ron; great grandson to Catherine Fricano and Patricia Jensen. Beloved nephew to James, Brad and Amy; Rochelle and Bill, and Amanda. He leaves behind so many more friends and family members who he loved fiercely and who adored him. His memory will live on in the laughter he inspired, the love he gave, and the warmth he brought into the world. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Though his time was too short, Nikolai left an undeniable mark on our hearts, he taught us the true meaning of unconditional love, and how to find beauty in the smallest moments. We will carry his memory with us always. 

A memorial service to celebrate Nikolai’s beautiful life will be held on December 7th, 2024. Visitation from 1-4, Funeral service at 4pm at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Mequon WI. In lieu of flowers, to honor his memory, a GoFundMe has been set up. These funds will be used to set up a soccer scholarship with the Bavarians Soccer Club so that other children may learn to love soccer the way that Nikolai did and so that his name lives on. https://gofund.me/6383f5ec

Nikolai, you were and always will be our hero. You filled our hearts with joy and our lives with light. We will carry your love with us always.