NIKOLAISEN, Richard (1938-1995)

NIKOLAISEN

Posted By: Von Stachon (email)
Date: 3/8/2007 at 17:12:08

OBITUARY

REV. DR. RICHARD NIKOLAISEN

Funeral services were held Monday, March 27, for the Rev. Dr. Richard A. Nikolaisen, 56, of Des Moines, formerly of Traer. He died Wednesday, March 22, 1995 at his home of a sudden heart attack.

The funeral service was held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Des Moines, with Bishop Paul Werger officiating. Cremation followed the service.

Richard was born in Brooklyn, NY, Nov. 19, 1938, the son of Jack and Alice (Larsen) Nikolaisen.

He married Betty Ann Bensen on Sept. 29, 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. He was a six-year veteran of the United States Army Reserve Corps.

He was a 1971 graduate of Luther College in Teaneck, NJ, and a 1973 graduate of Richmond College in Staten Island, NY. While in New York state, he was an official with the Chase Manhatten Bank of New York City for 17 years.

In 1974, he and his family moved to Dubuque, IA, where he graduated from the Wartburg Seminary in 1979 with a Master's Degree in Theology. He served as pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Traer from 1979-1985. In 1985 he earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa

Dr. Nikolaisen had been serving as pastor at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Des Moines since moving from Traer in 1985. In 1991, he earned the Doctorate of Ministry from the Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Richard is survived by his wife, BettyAnn, 4001 S.W. 28th Street, Des Moines, 50321; his daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Randy Friederich of Northwood, IA; and a sister, Linda Petersen of Madison, NJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA, 50315, or to the Wesley Acres Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312.