Nicholas (Nick) was born in Waterville, Kansas to Nicholas and Virginia Bolejack. Nick grew up in the Waterville, Marysville, Blue Rapid area of Kansas. Nick enlisted in the Navy for 4 years and served on the USS Leyte, an aircraft carrier. Nick moved to Crete Nebraska for awhile and then to Lincoln, Nebraska and worked different jobs, including carpentry, cement work, truck driving and always including auto mechanics. Nick retired from Lincoln Public Schools as a bus mechanic.
In 1974, Nick got engaged to the love of his life, Judy LaPage and in August of 1975, Nick and Judy were united in marriage. Nick and Judy lived outside of Alvo together for over 44 years and welcomed grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren along with all of the friends of the children and grandchildren. Nick never knew a stranger and always had a conversation for whoever would listen. EVERYONE loved going to grandma and grandpa’s house!
Nick is preceded in death by his wife, Judy and grandson Justin Haase, parents and siblings Virginia Mae and Rod. Nick is survived by: brother and sister in law, Jack and Kay Bolejack. Children: Robin LaPage. Renee Hartman and Reed LaPage. Grandchildren: April Hartshorn and Chad, Adam Hartshorn and Jen, Chase Haase, Josh LaPage and Linzy, Logan and Taylor Miller, Chelsie Parrott. Great Grandchildren: Izrael and LaDarius, Genevieve, Maddilyn, Kaydence, Brooklyn, Leighton, Landon, Riyker, Easton, Taygan, Zander, Chevelle, Gabriel and Nikolai. Great-Great Grandchildren: LeMiya, Khamari and TreMere.
Nick was the best dad and grandpa. He was like a kid when the kids came around, swimming in the horse tank and swimming pool with the kids, taking the kids fishing, to car shows, tractor pulls and auctions. He loved watching and attending car races and going to Camp Creek Threshers in Waverly, Ne. He was always ready to give advise and suggestions when anyone was having car troubles. Nick made sure everyone could change the oil, change a tire, change spark plugs and dry out a distributor cap before they could get their license and drive. Nick loved his old tractor and giving the kids rides. Nick loved gardening and having conversations under the tree in the backyard, with a beer after a long day of work. Nick told stories which would make him smile along with everyone who listened. The laughter was endless and the awe was in-measurable from those in attendance.
Nick loved to sit in his shed, cooking potatoes for the grandkids on top of the wood burning stove, listening to old country and western music on the radio enjoying his Bud Light and sharing life experiences.
Nick’s wisdom, orneriness and smile will be greatly missed as much as the love within the hearts of those who cherish him.
Funeral services, 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln. Visitation, one hour before services at the church. Interment, Brethren Cemetery, Alvo. Condolences, trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
Nick was one of the nicest man I ever met, nick could grow the best garden,, I always appreciated him bringing my parents vegetables when my dad couldn’t do his garden anymore,, l know my dad did too,,, rest in peace my friend,, you will be missed
Having grown up with Reed and Renee ‘back in the day’ I knew Nick then and in later years
he would occasionally stop in at my store in Lincoln. He was one of the nicest persons I have ever met. Truly a gem. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Very sad to learn of my Uncle Nick’s passing. He was a very kind, generous man, and I enjoyed many visits with him and Judy both in Alvo and in Minnesota when they both made many visits to be with and help us care for my beloved mother during her sickness with cancer.
I will never forget him making a really nice red toy wooden tractor and trailer for my son Morgan when he was still in diapers. We still have it to this day. The craftsmanship and care he put into it was emblematic of the love and generosity he exhibited toward his family and friends.
I’m sorry I was unable to attend Nick’s service as I only recently found out. I extend my heartfelt condolences and unconditional love to his/our family.