Patricia (Pat) Joan Nicolai, 82, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully at home Friday, March 20, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

Pat was born May 17, 1943 in Chippewa Falls where she resided her whole life. She was the daughter of Roy and Evelyn (DeCheyne) Thibedeau, Sr. and was the youngest of seven children.

On June 22, 1963, Pat married Lawrence “Nic” Nicolai at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls.

Pat did a lot of wonderful things in her life while raising three children with Nic. Her passion was the love of her family and her career where she worked for 35 years as a Nurse’s Aide. When she and her husband Nic became empty nesters, they welcomed 127 foster kids and 10 adult elderly people into their home over the course of 30 years. Pat brought warmth to everyone who knew her and was loved by many. She enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels and her trips up to Turtle Lake.

Pat is survived by her husband, Lance; two sons, Jeff (Lynn) of Milwaukee and Scott (Bonnie) of Altoona; one daughter, Theresa (Tom) Smith of Boyd; one brother, Gerald Thibedeau of Burlington; sisters-in-law, Rita Thibedeau of Eau Claire and Ruth Hagedorn of Chippewa Falls; brother-in-law, Donald DeRusha of Chippewa Falls; 8 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Andrew Henneman) Smith, Emily Smith, Jacqueline Mahoney, Kayla Nicolai, Kaitlyn Nicolai, Bryant (Nevada) Nicolai, Scotty (Liz) Nicolai, and Jack Nicolai; and 8 great grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John and Roy Thibedeau, Jr.; three sisters, Mary Jane Faulknor, Nancy Martell and Diane Gunderson; brothers-in-law, Guy Faulknor, George Martell, and Gene Gunderson; and sisters-in-law, Gladys Thibedeau, Edith Thibedeau, and Marion DeRusha.

Pat will always be remembered for her love, generosity, humor and caring nature. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at Noon Monday, March 30th at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls. Entombment will be in Hope Mausoleum in Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Noon Monday, March 30th at the church.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE"

Funeral services for Patricia J. Nicolai were held at Noon Monday, March 30th at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. Daniel Sedlacek and Rev. John Schultz concelebrated at the funeral Mass and Rev. Schultz officiated at the prayers of entombment in Hope Mausoleum in Chippewa Falls.

Music during the Mass was provided by Nancy Haley and Beth Martinek. Readings were given by Tamra Fabian and Bonnie Nicolai. Gift bearers were Elizabeth and Emily Smith and Kayla Nicolai.

Casket bearers were Elijah Henneman, Bryant Nicolai, Scotty and Jack Nicolai, Jeff and Scott Nicolai.