William Nicholson
April 11, 1925 — August 17, 2016
William “Bill” James Nicholson, 91, of Moline, IL, died Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2016, at First Lutheran Church, 1230 5th Avenue, Moline. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at National Cemetery at the Rock Island Arsenal, where military honors will be conducted by the Moline American Legion Post 246. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family with arrangements.
William was born on April 11, 1925, in Moline, IL, the son of James and Anna James Nicholson. He married Rose Ellen Bennington on October 20, 1946, in Moline. They would have celebrated 70 wonderful years together this October. William was a United States Navy veteran, having proudly served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.
In 1943, William graduated from Moline High School. While in the service, he attended the University of Michigan, Washburn University, and the University of Kansas. Following his discharge from the Navy, he then graduated from Augustana College in accounting. William became a partner in the Harms and Nicholson accounting firm. He earned his CPA designation from the University of Illinois and then worked as a Senior Tax Manager for the Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric Company until his retirement.
Prior to enlisting in the Navy, William worked for John Deere Harvester. He enjoyed coaching youth baseball and playing Bridge, where he was an ACBL Life Master. Later in life, he enjoyed playing golf.
Survivors include the greatest love of his life, his wife, Rose Ellen Nicholson; as well as his sons, Lance (Linda) Nicholson, Muscatine, IA, and Todd (Jane) Nicholson, Fort Meyers, FL, formerly of Coal Valley, IL; 4 grandchildren, Tracie Nicholson, Angela (Dwayne) Sieck, Kelley (Matt) DeBaene, and Ryan (Ruth) Nicholson; 5 great grandchildren, Lauren, Kristen, Nathan, Emma, and Evelyn; plus several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ed.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the medical and nursing staff on 7th floor at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island for their great care.
Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.