Charles E. Nichols RACINE – Charles E. Nichols died July 28, 2016, having recently entered his 100th year. Charles, affectionately known as “Nick”, was born on June 22, 1917 in Wenatchee, Washington, the son of the late Charles and Bertha Nichols. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1941 and attended Northwestern University 1941 – 1942, but his studies were interrupted by WWII. He entered the Navy at Great Lakes, meeting William Naleid and others from Racine, many of whom remained lifelong friends. He saw 4 ½ years’ service, including duty in the Pacific, last serving as Lieutenant, Senior Grade. As a result of his visits to Racine, he met and married his first wife, Carolyn (Christensen). Several years following Carolyn’s death, Nick married Jean Glaeser, a fellow Washingtonian, then living in New York studying interior design. This training came in very handy as she was able to help Nick with many real estate projects. His business career, spanning more than 50 years, was primarily in real estate. His principal business affiliation was as a broker and owner of N. Christensen & Son Real Estate, and he served on Racine’s first Board of Review. Always passionate about cars, Nick became the owner of Nichols Motors in 1980. His civic and social affiliations included Taylor Home, Kiwanis, Family Service, Racine Country Club and Somerset Club. Jean, his wife of 62 years, survives him along with daughters Wendy (Marion) Sodnik of Wauwatosa and Tracy Nichols of Racine, two grandchildren, Lauren and Michael Sodnik, and sister Lois Thomson of Hayden, Idaho. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Carolyn, brother Leonard, sisters Margaret and Marie, and special friend and brother-in-law Walter Glaeser. As Nick wished, a family gathering was held in lieu of a formal service. Cremation has taken place. Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory 3915 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 53402 (262) 639-8000