Thomas Leland (Tom) Nickerson, age 77, died Christmas Day at his home in Kimberly after brief hospice care. Tom was born in Beaver Dam on November 30, 1947, to the late Ron and Helen (Stange) Nickerson. After graduating from both Beaver Dam High School and UW-Madison (where he excelled in track), he enlisted in the military and served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. After his service, Tom lived in the Los Angeles area, working as a structural aircraft engineer for Lockheed Martin and Hughes Helicopter. He moved back to Wisconsin to begin employment with KC Aviation in Appleton, restoring and reconfiguring corporate jets. In 1981 he met Linda Gilson and they began a life together full of fun and adventure. Although Linda's career had them relocating to Green Bay, Door County, Lake Tahoe (NV), Branson (MO), Lake Geneva and Oceanside/Carlsbad (CA), Tom was happy for the journey and became very adept at using his many construction and trade skills to"flip" numerous houses for many years. He loved keeping busy, always looking for the next project. Tom was creative, thought outside of the box, was somewhat of a non-conformist and a dreamer.

Travel was always high on Tom's to-do lists. The weekends of 11 years in Lake Tahoe, especially, were spent exploring Northern California and beyond. European travel became a regular venture, and they loved their experiences in Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Great Britain, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, and the final two trips to Switzerland. Along the path, they enjoyed searching for unusual antiques--the weirder the better. Later in life, collector cars became high on the list...so much so that they bought an entire storage area to keep their collection.

"Retiring" the first time to Gills Rock (Door County), Tom and Linda bought a home, two cottages and land (for, of course, Tom's projects). They also purchased a home on the small Caribbean island of Cayman Brac, a sister island to Grand Cayman, where for 20 years they enjoyed star-lit nights on their own beach.

With still one more adventure in them, Tom and Linda bought an olive oil/balsamic vinegar franchise and opened their business on Hilton Head Island (SC) which they owned and successfully operated for five years before selling it to return to Door County.

Back in Wisconsin once again (Retirement #2), Tom enjoyed keeping busy with their property and was also an avid Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers fan, attending many games and watching on TV. When the opportunity arose, Tom and Linda sold their property and moved to Kimberly, awaiting their next adventure. Sadly, "next" did not come. Tom died peacefully, at home, with Linda by his side overlooking the Fox River.

Tom had a soft spot in his heart for all animals, even volunteering to help build a hurricane pet shelter on Cayman Brac. Cats best fit their lifestyle and there was always at least one in the home. For the past 13 years, Blackie and Floyd were treated like royalty by their "Dad."

Tom lived a very full life and was fun to be around. He had an unparalleled sense of humor and quick wit—always with a funny line that often caught you off guard. Though together nearly 44 years, Tom and Linda never married. As Tom would say, "We're not sure we really like each other." Or, "We're a little afraid of commitment." A piece of paper or formal document was never needed—the love was strong all those years.

A huge thank you to childhood and lifelong friends, Vicky Biersteker, Diane Roovers, Kim Raymond, Cindy Biechler, Sharon Van Grinsven, Kathy Keddell and Deb Weber who have been a constant source of support, love and friendship during this painful journey of Tom's last days. The loss has been heartbreaking, leaving a void impossible to fill. I love you Pumpkin.

Per Tom's wishes, there will be no service. If you would like to do something in Tom's memory, treat your pets kindly, give them a warm home and keep them safe. If you don't have a pet, consider a donation of your money or time to any animal rescue group—there are a lot of them out there and they all could use your help.