Jeffrey W. Nikolich

Jeffrey W. Nikolich obituary, Wheaton, IL

Jeffrey W. Nikolich

Jeffrey Nikolich Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Williams-Kampp Funeral Home on Jul. 10, 2025.

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Jeffrey William Nikolich, age 66, of St. Charles, IL, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 30, 1958, in St. Charles to Ray and Florence Nikolich, Jeff was the eldest of three sons. He graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1976, where he was honored with the Outstanding Industrial Art Student Award. It was there he met the love of his life, Betty (Hendricksen), with whom he shared 46 wonderful years of marriage.
A lifelong gifted mechanic and craftsman, Jeff began his career at Bob's Union 76 in Wheaton. In 1980, he followed John Dimas to what is now J&C Central, where he spent over four decades serving the community.
Known affectionately by many as "Nik," Jeff wasn't just the guy who fixed your car, he was someone who remembered your name, your story, and the exact model you drove. His unmatched mechanical skill and deep care for others earned him a reputation that extended well beyond Wheaton.
Jeff's talents didn't stop at the garage. He was a skilled woodworker with a pristine workshop where every tool had its place and every project was built to last. Whether he was fixing, building, or restoring, Jeff had the rare ability to see how things worked and how to make them even better, often with just one look.
His love for the Northwoods sparked countless snowmobile trips and family vacations, a tradition that began in his childhood and continued throughout his life.
Jeff also had a lifelong passion for muscle cars. From his first car- a 1972 Buick Skylark he rebuilt-to his most recent pride and joy, a 2019 Hellcat Redeye Widebody, Jeff's cars were more than vehicles; they were expressions of precision, passion, and pride. True to form, they were only driven in perfect weather conditions. His greatest pride was never having to use the wiper blades or headlights on any of the cars in his collection.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his children, Jen (Tony) Dillon, Jason (Kendal Franz) and Ryan; his brothers, John (Patty) and Jim (Melinda); his sister- and brother-in-law, Linda and Erv Spevacek; nieces and nephews, Jimmy Nikolich, Danny (Hannah) Nikolich, Brittany (James) Kahn, Nathan (Christie) Spevacek, Amanda Spevacek (Jon Bowers), and Tracy Spevacek; and great-nieces and nephews, James Kahn, Mason Spevacek, and Mya Spevacek.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Roy and Mildred Hendricksen; and many cherished aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home in Wheaton, with words of remembrance to follow at 4 p.m.
We invite you to drive your classic car or hot rod to the service to help us celebrate and remember Jeff in that way.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jeff's honor to a charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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1 Entry

James Lyng

July 12, 2025

I am very sorry for your families loss. He will be missed by a lot of family and friends. I will miss you for all the help you provided when I was stuck on a problem. Thank you for your insight and help with my boys when they needed it.

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Williams-Kampp Funeral Home

430 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187

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