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Joan Marguerite Nikolai of Pioneer, CA, passed away May 9, 2025, in Jackson, CA, at the age of 81. She was born on April 11, 1944, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Claude and Winifred (Behan) Siettmann.  Joan grew up in Milwaukee, where she became a lifelong Packers fan. She also would attend Milwaukee Braves games with her dad and friends. She stayed there to attend Marquette University. She graduated in 1966 with a BA in Education. That was also the year that she married Michael. They resided in Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, and then moved to Naperville, IL, for Michael's job with IBM. Then, in 1975, IBM gave them a great gift and transferred them to San Jose, California. Joan loved the ocean, so this was a match made in heaven.
It was in San Jose that Joan focused on her faith. Joan became involved in the Catechetical Ministry at St. Julie's. Joan first began as a coordinator for certain grades and eventually became the Director of Catechetics for Children, which included 4-year-olds to 8th grade. During this time, she became a Master Catechist in the Diocese of San Jose. She began to teach adult catechists not only at St. Julie's but throughout the Diocese of San Jose. She was well known throughout the Diocese as one of the most creative teachers. She created some of the most moving and meaningful prayer services for adults and children; her lesson planning was always one of the best.
In 1999, Mike and Joan moved to Pioneer. Joan's love of the ocean was only matched by her love of the mountain country with its towering trees and beautiful lakes. (This love had been nurtured by years of camping with the "Crazy Campers" in San Jose.)  Joan continued her life of service by volunteering at the Hospice thrift store, where she earned a 15-year pin for her service.
She also continued her calling with the Church and joined the congregation of Our Lady of the Pines. She continued with her passion for helping children with the implementation of a plan to support and encourage the volunteer catechists. She also returned to her teaching roots and instructed fourth graders. Her support and guidance helped grow the program to the point where they could provide formal Catechist Certification training internally. She grew close to several others at the church, leading to a yearly group trip to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress that Joan treasured. Even as her health failed, she continued with a prayer group that would regularly meet at her home.

Her belief in God and the role that God gave her, to pass on the Gospel message, was central to her life as a wife, a mom, and a Catholic.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Michael Nikolai; sons Patrick (Tedra DiLorenzo) and John; five grandchildren, Amanda (Nathan Baer), Katherine (Andrew Alm), Tyler (Jilian Binuya), Allyson, and Adam; and four great-grandchildren, Savannah, Owen, Elliot, and Parker.

Funeral services will take place on June 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of the Pines, 26750 Tiger Creek Rd.
Pioneer, California 95666. Reception will follow immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Our Lady of the Pines Society c/o Katharine Drexel Parish, 11361 Prospect Drive, Jackson, CA 95642.

When words can't fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalized gifts, keepsake jewelry and to plant a memorial tree.

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Joan Nikolai Obituary | Altogether