Louis "Louie" H. Nicoli

Louis H. Nicoli, 66, passed away surrounded by family on January 14th, 2017, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Louie was born on October, 21st, 1950, in Valley City, ND to Harvey and Louise Nicoli.  Louie graduated from Valley City High School.  He attended, and wrestled, at North Dakota State University for a short time after high school and had a deep devotion and love for all things Bison.  Louie returned to Valley City, ND, to resume farming and became the 4th generation farmer.  This is where he discovered his passion and ultimately excelled.

Louie met Janet Hansen in Valley City, ND and they were married September 29th, 1973, in Valley City, ND.  They lived and farmed near Valley City, ND until retiring in 2009.

Louie’s four daughters Lisa, Andria, Sara and Tessa were his pride and joy.  If you truly want to know Louie, talk to his daughters, as each is a pure reflection of him.  Humorous, stubborn, detailed, loyal, silly, smart, strong and loving.  His fifth daughter, Sadie (Yellow Lab), provided him unconditional love and comfort.  Louie was also blessed with three grandchildren, Kaylee, Logan, and Olivia.  He was so proud of his grandkids and loved to watch them in all their activities.  If you wanted to see pure joy in someone, bring his grandchildren into the room, and Louie just lit up. 

Louie loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family.  He also loved to read, play cribbage and go to Bison football games.  Spending time outdoors or at the lake was his place of serenity and peace.  He had a very uneasy relationship with the game of golf, but he worked hard at it and had lots of fun.  Louie loved to visit with others, tell stories, and share the same jokes over and over again.  Louie was an excellent farmer and paid great attention to detail.  He was always learning about farming and perfecting his craft. 

The last few years of Louie’s life were filled with miracles, but also included a great deal of physical and emotional struggles.  His debilitating physical illness impacted his emotional health, but his openness and honesty during these struggles provided an example of strength that was greatly respected and only reaffirmed to his family that he truly was their hero.  Louie is greatly loved and dearly missed.

Louie is survived by his wife, Jan Nicoli of West Fargo, ND; his daughters, Lisa (Brad) Weninger of Carrington, ND, Andria Nicoli of Minneapolis, MN, Sara (Jim) Christensen of West Fargo, ND and Tessa Nicoli of West Fargo, ND.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kaylee and Logan Weninger of Carrington, ND and Olivia Christensen of West Fargo, ND.  He is also survived by his two brothers, David Nicoli of Breckenridge, CO and Donald Nicoli of Gresham, OR and many nieces and nephews.  Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Louise Nicoli; father-in-law, Audber Hansen; brother-in-law, Gaylon Hansen and all the grandbabies that left this earth way too soon.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 20th at 2:00 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 3636 25th St. S., Fargo with visitation one hour prior to the service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

www.westfuneralhome.com