Nicki (Nick) John Celius

After a long, courageous hard-fought battle with cancer, Nick Celius passed away at the age of 64 years old at his home surrounded by his family on January 3, 2025.

He was born to John and Donna (Gile) Celius on March 27, 1960. He was a resident of Winona, Nick graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1978. His friends and the community knew him from his 40+ years working on various farms. Then worked at St. Mary’s as a custodian before Cotter Schools in 2014, He was the Custodian Supervisor, who always had a smile on his face, would listen and help any kid that needed it. He shared his story and his journey of fighting cancer with all of them. He also worked as a night custodian at Merchants Bank. 

He was a cub scout leader and a boy scout leader in Elgin, MN. Along with, he was a 4-H shooting instructor in Wabasha County, then Olmstead County and then finally in Winona County. Along with a busy schedule he also helped with the FFA Program and served as the secretary of the FFA Alumni Board. If there was a kid that needed something he would find time for them or even drive them to events. 

Nick was an amazing son, brother, father, grandfather and friend; as well as the best listener, he would listen to people forever and never judge them. He would worry about everyone else and do what they needed to make them happy, never himself. You could also find him in his favorite spot in his messy but well-used woodshop. The projects were all well-built and well enjoyed by kids and adults. Never afraid to try and build something new just from a picture. 

Nick is survived by his soulmate, Dawn Marie Nelson; his two children: April Heim (Ehren); and Nicholas Celius; his siblings: Larry Celius (Joan), Lisa Fort (Robin), Terri Celius (Erica), and Kristel Celius (Turk); his three grandchildren: MaKenzie, Jay and Bentley Heim; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Celius and Donna (Gile) Celius. 

A Celebration of life will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 1 PM until a Service of Remembrance at 3 PM. The Reverend Winfried Schroeder will officiate. Following the service, there will be a luncheon and reception at the Winona American Legion Club, 302 E. Sarnia St.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Nick’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.