On October 17, 2023, Alan J. Nicoski, age 68, passed away in his home in Columbia City, Indiana. Born on September 8, 1955, in Fort Wayne, Alan was a beacon of ambition and hard work. Despite his retirement as a heavy machinery mechanic from B&W Equipment, his passionate commitment to his craft never waned. Alan was a lifelong Fort Wayne area resident, always proud of his roots and the family he raised there.
Alan was a man of diverse interests and hobbies, with a particular fondness for model train collecting. This hobby, much like his work, was a testament to his meticulous and detail-oriented nature. It was a joy he relished in sharing with his grandchildren, though they were always reminded to admire the trains with their eyes, not their hands! Alan's love for the holidays, especially Christmas, was legendary. His home would sparkle with so many lights and decorations that his family joked, "You could land a plane!"
Alan's legacy will be carried forward by his two daughters; Jolene (Pete) Crago, and Jennifer (Douglas) Simon; his son; Nick (Kassandra) Nicoski; his dedicated life partner, Colene (Smith) Stangland; a sister, Kathy (Bob) Heffner; his five grandchildren, Daniel, Kaila, Gage, Miles, and Brendon; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lillian Nicoski; and a brother, Dick Nicoski. As we remember Alan, we are reminded of the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." Alan's life was one of depth, filled with dedicated service, shared joy, and a deep love for his family.
No services have been scheduled at this time.