Our dad, Nickolas John Lewallen, Sr, died to this life March 10, 2022, after a long struggle with cancer. Nick was born on February 2, 1946, to Josephine and John Lewallen in Fresno, California and was baptized into Jesus’s death and resurrection on November 6, 1949. He enlisted in the Air Force on February 15, 1965, and while stationed in Michigan he met our mother (Claire Chojnowski) drag racing in Detroit. He may have lost the race, but he won our mother’s heart and the two were married on September 17, 1966. Dad was deployed to Vietnam serving a 1-year tour of duty between mid-1967 to mid-1968 and was in Vietnam for the Tet-Offensive. Following an honorable discharge, our dad worked various jobs, raised a family, and went to college to earn a degree in education. With that degree, we all ultimately settled in Basin, Wyoming where he served as a teacher in Big Horn County School District #4 for 22 years. After retirement our parents moved to Laramie, Wyoming to be closer to family.
Dad was an avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting with his sons and grandsons; never missing a season to use his hunting skills to put food on the table for his family. His final hunting trip was spent with family. He always kept up on current events and often could be found reading his favorite periodicals and local and national newspapers.
Our dad instilled in us a great many life lessons including the importance of family, a strong work ethic, never shying away from speaking our mind, and to help those needing a helping hand among other lessons. He opened his house to strangers, even hosting four foreign exchange students through the years. Our dad never met a stranger as we would often find him striking up conversations with people he had just met.
Our dad is survived by Claire his wife of 55 years, four children (Nick Jr., Shirley, Lisa, and Matt), nine grandchildren (Chandra, Nickolas III, Larry, Colton, Alexandria, Aidan, Emerson, Zoe, Johnsley), and seven great-grandchildren (Nickolas IV, Madeline, Blair, Joshua, James, Gwendolyn, Payton). We all will miss you dad more than words can express, but we are comforted by God’s promises and rest assured we will see you again in the presence of Jesus.
Services will be held at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Laramie, Wyoming on March 18, 2022. Viewing is scheduled for 10 a.m., a funeral service at 11 a.m. and luncheon at noon. Internment with full military honors will be conducted at Cheyenne National Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Larry Wostenberg Memorial Fund at Pinnacle Bank in Wyoming, this fund provides scholarships for students from Torrington to attend trade school.
Sorry to hear of Nick's passing. I always enjoyed our little chats at school in Manderson. He loved history! May God give all of you the comfort and peace that passes all understanding.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your your family Nick and my special prayer for your dad's peaceful and happy eternal life.
We love you and will miss you dear brother-in-law but will see you again at another time. We were reminiscing about all the great times we have shared over the years. We remembered your fantastic, military wedding, the birth of Nick Jr. while you were in Vietnam, the many weekends playing cards (and drinking) at your house, the experience of driving with you to Basin Wyoming in the rented U Haul for your first teaching job, and finally, the many phone calls discussing the future of this country. These are only a few of the great experiences and memories you have provided for us, thanks so much. Our hearts hurt now and only time will ease the pain but the great memories will remain forever. Godspeed Nick, see you again when we can talk face to face once more. Sis, know we will be here for you anytime you want to talk, visit, or need anything. Our prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Claire and family. Larry and I had such a good time playing cards with you and Nick when you lived in St Clair Shores. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nick was a wonderful man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.......... Georgia Antley Hunt
My heart goes out to the Lewallen family. Mr. Nick was a good man and a good friend to my dad. He had a great sense of humor, and had a wonderful family. To echo the sentiment about his enjoyment of hunting, I'll relate one story. In the middle of one wet night in the camper, "Bob, Bob, wake up. Your camper's leaking." "I didn't know it was supposed to rain." "What the... that's not rain! It's PEE!!!" May the Lewallen family experience peace through the challenge of losing family, and joy in the memories of Mr. Nick.
My deepest condolences to the entire Lewallen family. Your dad was a wonderful teacher and even greater man. I will always remember his friendly smile and kind personality. May God wrap his arms around each and everyone of you during this very sad time.
He was always a teacher and mentor I have remembered through the years. Many thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Mr. Lewallen. My heart goes out to you, Shirley, and your family. I hope your precious memories bring some comfort at this time.
Sorry for your loss Claire and your children and grandchildren. I will never forget when we met Nick at Selfridge Air Base dances! He will be in our prayers along with your family. Rest in peace with God Nick. Nancy & Marc Hackbarth
Prayer to all the family..your dad was a great teacher..hugs to your mom!!
Love you dad. You always heard me out even when you knew better, I’ll deeply miss bouncing my thoughts and questions off of you. I will persevere, but I will long for those Sunday phone calls.