Terry Nicolai, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on Sunday, May 17th, after a six-year battle with Dementia. 

Terry was born on January 6th, 1949, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Arnold and Evelyn (Bahr) Nicolai. He was the second of their 11 children and grew up on a dairy farm outside of Bangor, Wisconsin. Arnold and Evelyn had 24 grandchildren and, as of today, 47 great-grandchildren.

From 1968 to 1972, Terry attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Following his graduation, he worked 15 years for the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, ultimately becoming the Director of the Electric Bureau. He then accepted a position at Wisconsin Power and Light / Alliant Energy where he worked as Manager of Regulatory Relations until his retirement in 2015.

On January 30th, 1971, Terry married Sandra Kay Strong. The two enjoyed 55 years of marriage and had two children together. They spent their time visiting National Parks, enjoying the outdoors, camping, gardening, fishing, boating, and they loved spending time with their grandchildren. Terry donated his time to a number of things, including a long tenure with the local Boy Scout Troop and serving on the Four Lakes Council Board. 

Terry spent over 30 years playing sports (softball and basketball) with the local “Couznofski’s” group. He was passionate about maintaining his yard, and loved teaching his grandchildren how to pick up sticks. Terry loved visiting Disney with his family and never said no to a roller coaster.

Terry was known for his intelligence, his strong will, his quick-wit comments and his sense of adventure. He built a life of love. We will miss him dearly as a husband, a father and a grandpa. 

Terry is survived by his wife Sandi and their two children, Corey (Tami) Nicolai of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Kristina (Jeffrey) Nicolai-White of Middleton, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Madison Nicolai, Arianna (John) Morrison (White), Halle White, and Jefferson “Jack” White; five brothers: Rodney, Steve, Alan, Randy, and Tim; four sisters: Barb, Sandy, Kathy, and Mary; and 21 nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis and a niece.

Terry’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at the Cress Funeral Home in Middleton, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Followed by a service at 2:00pm