Roy J. Nicholson, 79, Chebanse, IL

Roy J. Nicholson, 79, of rural Chebanse passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at his rural residence following a lengthy illness.  Cremation rites are being accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton.  Private family services will be held at a later date.  There will be no visitation.  Burial of ashes will be at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley or New Beginings for Cats.  Please sign his online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Nicholson was born on March 25, 1933 near L’Erable, the son of Roy Abe and Esther LaRosa Nicholson and his parents are deceased. He married the former Marjorie Ellen Hopkins at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Nov. 18, 1953 and she survives. Also surviving are four daughters and one son-in-law, Linda Gall of Danforth, Patricia and Joe Breymeyer of Ashkum, and Carol Nicholson and Sharon Solomon both of Clifton; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Larry and Cathy Nicholson of Ashkum, Roy C. Nicholson of Kankakee and Thomas “Tom” Nicholson of Watseka; 13 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; one sister, Sharon Giardina of Bradley; and one brother-in-law, Bill Francoeur of Bourbonnais.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Nicholson was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Francoeur and an aunt, Clara Nicholson who raised him from age 5, following the death of his mother.

Mr. Nicholson was a former longtime employee of Amberg File and Index until the closing of the factory and he then worked for the Henkel Corp. until retirement.  He was a veteran of the US Air Force and served during the Korean War with 92nd Maintenance Sq.  He enjoyed fishing and playing poker.