Published in The Register-Mail on Jun. 5, 2020
GALESBURG - June Irene Nickas, 91, of Galesburg,
formerly of Altona, died at 3:05 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2020, at Seminary Manor in
Galesburg.
She was born Feb. 7, 1929, in Altona, the daughter of Bernard and Helga (Lundholm)
Quanstrom. She graduated from Walnut Grove Township High School in 1947. She married
George Christo "Chris" Nickas on June 7, 1953, at the Altona Presbyterian Church
in Altona. He preceded her in death on April 29, 2008.
Survivors include her sister-in-law Pam Quanstrom of Galesburg; sister-in-law Helen
(Marvin) Masters of Galesburg; sister-in-law Grace Nickas of Peru; nephew Don (Missy)
Quanstrom of Galva; nieces Mary Empson of Kewanee, Kim Quanstrom of Galesburg and Kelly
(Kevin) Lee of Oswego; great-nieces Nikole Williams of Peoria and MacKenzie Lee of Aurora;
great-nephews Jeremy Empson of Galesburg and Colby Lee of Oswego; great-great-nieces
Cassidy Empson of Bloomington, Alexius Empson of Galesburg and Tionna Carter of Peoria; as
well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers Gerald Quanstrom and James
Quanstrom.
She worked for Met Life Insurance Co. as a supervisor for 15 years, then for Allied Agency
Center in Peoria for 10 years. She was a member of the United Church of Altona in Altona.
She enjoyed art, music and reading. June was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She
hosted a traditional Swedish meal every Christmas Eve for family and friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday,
June 9, 2020, at the Altona Cemetery, Altona. Memorial contributions may be made to the
United Church of Altona. |
Chris died Tuesday, 29 Apr. 2008 at 5:26 AM at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg,
IL. He was born on 14 Oct. 1928 in Galesburg, IL, the son of George and Grace
Jeannette McCulloch Nickas. He had 4 siblings, Anthony (Brenda) Nickas, residing in
Knoxville, IL; Helen (Marvin) Masters residing in Galesburg; Grace Nickas residing in
Galesburg; and David Nickas, deceased.
Chris was raised and educated in Galesburg, IL
graduating from Galesburg High School in 1947. He served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1952
as a plane captain. He worked as a switchman for CB & Q Railroad and then as a glass
cutter for Galesburg Glass Co. for 34 years. He received his pilot's license from Curry
Flying School.
He was baptized in the St. George Greek Orthodox Church
in Rock Island, IL. As a youth he attended East Main Congregational Church in Galesburg,
IL and after his marriage he attended the United Church of Altona. He was a member and
Past President of the Lions Club in Altona, IL. He was interested in reading about World
War II, trains, planes, and ships.
They had no children. |
