"Nicky" Norma (Nicholson) Menke

Norma "Nicky" (Nicholson) Menke, daughter of the late Cyrus Rodney Nicholson and Elizabeth (Plagman) Nicholson, was born on July 3, 1923, in rural Ossian, Iowa and passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Roseville, California.  Predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Robert Menke.  Nicky is also preceded in death by her brother, Rodney Nicholson, Jr., and sisters, Jean Maack and Helen Kniech.

From an early age, Nicky was an adventurous trailblazer.  After completing business school in Mobile, Alabama, she applied for a position in Honolulu after Pearl Harbor.  There she excelled as the hospital administrator at Kapiolani Hospital.  It was in Hawaii that Nicky met the love of her life, Robert.  Rob was stationed at nearby Tripler Army Medical Center.  They were both invited to a hospital party...a party she almost didn’t attend!  Rob and Nicky married soon after and were inseparable in life.

Robert and Nicky returned to the Mainland and started their family: Babette (Robert) Breisacher, Bruce (Cathy) Menke, and Cynthia Bampton.  Nicky and Rob made a life together in Long Beach, California where they raised their children.  Later in life, Rob's daughter, Cindie (James) Braun came into their lives.

They were blessed with grandchildren: Jessica Haynes, Ryan Haynes, Lisa McGlone, Ryan Menke, Chad Braun, and Lindsay Ensign.

Rob and Nicky later moved to Banning, California where they enjoyed the remainder of their retirement years together.  After Rob’s death, Nicky moved to Roseville, where she enjoyed many family get togethers, and especially loved being called GiGi.  Her great-grandchildren, Owen, Grayson, and Autumn, continuously warmed her heart and were a delight to her in her golden years.

Nicky is also survived by her cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Nicky lived for basketball.  A life-long Lakers fan, she knew the stats for almost every player.  After moving to the Sacramento area, to everyone’s surprise, she started cheering for the Kings.  This love of basketball stemmed from her own athletic abilities in her youth as a member of an all-girls basketball team that went to the Iowa State Championship.

Nicky is remembered for her sharp wit, independent spirit, impressive intellect, and deep love of her family.  She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the wonderful help and care given by the staff at The Terraces of Roseville, Dr. Aziz, Dr. Chang and Sutter Hospice.