Obituaries

Dr. Hans A. Nikoley, a beloved Christian, husband, father, poppy, pastor, author, and college
professor, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, in Santa Clara, California.

Born on March 5, 1939, in Stettin, Germany—now Szczecin, Poland—Hans experienced a
remarkable journey through life. Raised in Nazi Germany, he saw the horrors of war firsthand.
Following the devastation of World War II, he and his family immigrated to the United States as
refugees in 1952. With the support of a sponsoring family, the Pattersons, they settled in Reno,
Nevada. This act of kindness marked the beginning of a new life filled with resilience and
achievement.

Hans was a man of many talents and passions. He proudly served in the Nevada Air National
Guard. He was a successful businessman and owner of a real estate agency in Reno. Seeking
something more than professional success, he accepted Christ in 1971 after seeing the change
that Jesus made in the lives of his wife and children. He left the business world and attended
Hyles Anderson Bible College, graduating in 1977. Upon graduation, he dedicated his life to
faith and education. He served as a pastor for over 45 years, first at Mid-Valley Baptist Church
in Turlock, CA and then at Pomerado Road Baptist Church in Poway, CA. He later served as a
college professor at Golden State Baptist College in Santa Clara, CA. His work as an author
further reflected his commitment to sharing his knowledge and the love of Christ with others.

Along with an autobiography, he published many booklets based upon his sermons, as well as a
daily devotional entitled, ‘My Daily Walk’. His life story was also dramatized on the radio program, ‘Unshackled’. He taught himself to play the harmonica and blessed many with his recordings on Facebook, musical specials in church, and playing for the cows on mountain drives with Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Selma Nikoley; his brother Manfred; and
another brother, Klaus Peter, who tragically passed away as an infant in Germany after WWII.

Hans is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Mary Helen; his children Matthew (Phyllis) and
Kirsten (Kenneth) Starlin; his siblings Lothar (Bonny), Ingo, Uwe, Wolfgang (Clara), and Brigitte
(Jon) Barns; and his cherished grandchildren Amy (Paul) Bolton, Sarah, Jonathan (Emily),
Kacey (Jared) Lenhert, Kristina, and Dakota-John and five great grandchildren Joshua Levi,
Skye, Alani, Jack, and Penny. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members whom
he deeply loved and valued throughout his life.

Dr. Hans A. Nikoley’s legacy is one of perseverance, faith, and dedication to both family and
community. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his
memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing. The memorial service will be held at
North Valley Baptist Church January 3, 2025. He will be laid to rest at the Masonic Memorial
Gardens Cemetery in Reno, NV.