Joseph Patrick Nicklay

Joseph Patrick "Pat" Nicklay, 71, of Dover, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the Stewartville Care Center.Pat was born April 7, 1942 in Rochester, MN to Charles (Chet) Sr. and Josephine (Palmby) Nicklay.He attended Dover school after moving to the area from Witoka , then graduated from St. Charles High School in 1960.Pat worked for local farmers until 1962 when he began hauling can milk for Curt Randell Milk Service of St. Charles up until 1964 when he was drafted into the Army, serving two years at Ft. Hood Texas. Upon his discharge he resumed hauling milk until 1969 when he started his own farming career by renting first as a cash crop as well as driving grain truck and combine for Ivan and Eldon Putzier.On September 23, 1972 he married Mary Catherine Wegman of St. Charles, residing and farming in the St. Charles area for Bill & Dave Heim until 1975 when they assisted Marvin Wegman with his dairy farm. Pat started his own farming operation in 1976 just north of Dover until 1988 moving to Elmira Township in partnership on the Dr. James B. Flanary farm. In 1990 Pat & Mary retired from farming moving to his parents farm working for Maynard Millard until his health began to decline due to diabetes.Pat & Mary raised five children; Gene of Dover, Joyel (Chandler) Billings, of Stewartville, Kathy Nicklay (Josh Light) of Stewartville, Greg of Dover and Aaron (Emily) of Dover; seven grandchildren Olivia Nicklay, Jacob & Marshall Billings, Nolan & Sophia Light, Kelsey, Collin and Baby Girl Nicklay (due in July).Pat is also survived by his brother Charles (Judy) Jr. and sister Veronica (Mike) Fruth; also by his favorite cousin Elaine Rysted. Pat was preceded in death by his parents Charles & Jo and father in-law Bernard Wegman.Pat was an avid hunter and fisherman as well as an award winning conservationist for his work with the Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District planting windbreaks and installing retention ponds. He also enjoyed playing 500 with numerous friends and family during his retirement. Pat was also a member of the St. Charles American Legion serving on firing and honor squads. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 27 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eyota with the Reverend Kurt Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in St. Charles. Visitation will be 5 - 8 p.m., Friday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service in St. Charles with the Rosary being recited at 8 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at church.The family wishes to thank everyone who has been a part of his life during his many health battles with a special thanks to the staff at Desk L.P. (hyperbaric team). In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be given to Pat's favorite charities.Please share a memory of Pat, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.