This morning I witnessed a very majestic and peaceful passing of my soul mate. Nick took his final breath around 6:30 am with me and a nurse standing by. The planner that Nick was, has already set most of his final wishes into motion. There will be a visitation at the Jensen Funeral Home from 5pm – 8pm on Monday, July 21. This is located just down the street from our home in Alta. The Funeral will be held at the Schaller Chapel on the Buena Vista University campus at 11:30 am on Tuesday, July 22. There will be a luncheon to follow provided by BVU.
Nick has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the ALS Therapy Development Institute to support ongoing ALS research. Donations can be made online at www.als.net if that is most convenient.
at 6:07 pm
Thank you for the update Ann. As hard as this must be for you, I know that everyone appreciates your strength and beautiful writing for those of us who can’t be there with you. We love you and will see you soon.
Cathy, Joel, and Makayla
at 7:16 pm
nick and you have been in our thoughts so often these past few days, ann. we will see you soon…we love you and your adorable nick so much. thank you for your posts…it is so fitting that yours and nick’s thoughtfulness for others continues. bless you all.
at 7:27 pm
HI Ann, I’m so glad your mom called to let me know about Nick. I’m sorry that I can’t be there at this place in your lives. That elephant that we set off to the side on your wedding day finally got a front seat but only for this day. I’ll be thinking of you and Nick and all your family in these days to come but know that your faith and love and God will carry you. Peace. Jean
at 7:37 pm
Thank you so much for the update on Nick. Although I haven’t spoken with you much since college…I’ve followed both you and Nick via your website. I am so sorry for your loss….I am thinking and praying for you….may you find comfort in your family and friends at this difficult time. Take care!
at 8:06 pm
Nick and I had a conversation awhile back about Lord of the Rings and our shared love of Gandalf the Grey. Forever more I will remember the line that Gandalf told Frodo when they were lost in the Mines of Moria and Frodo told Gandalf that he wished the ring never would have come to him.
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
Nick – the world is an emptier place without you in it, but I will forever be inspired by the time that you spent with us. You truly fought that good fight.
Ann – my thoughts and prayers are with you – I’m so glad you were by his side at the end.
at 9:03 pm
You don’t know me. I came across Nick’s story on the alsindepencence website today, and was so inspired by his spirit and positivity that I thought I would check out his blog, only to discover that today is also the day he passed. I will pray for you. Know that he touches people you will never meet. I am so very sorry for your loss.
at 9:22 pm
Ann
Deb called me to let me know of Nick’s passing. Everyone has a purpose in this life although most of us never know what ours is. You and Nick were put on this earth to demonstrate how we all should live – corageously, lovingly and unselfishly. Thank you for touching my life. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee King
at 1:48 am
Ann and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your strength, along with Nick’s spirit will carry you through anything.
I haven’t seen Nick since my Luther days….and remember fondly his humor, charm and energy in many communication classes we had together.
I’ve followed his blog and firmly believe he’s running with the angels.
In Peace, Stephanie
at 2:32 am
Ann,
Thank you so much for your update. The family in Norway got the very sad message that Nick passed away by his uncle Lloyd yesterday. We are so very sorry for your loss. We are also very sorry being unable to be there with you, the rest of the Huber family and the Sorliens at the funeral. It’s just too far away from Brumunddal, but in our thoughts and in our hearts we will be there.
My husband, my son and I all want to express our sympathy.
Love,
John-Anders, Arild and Jofrid
at 3:06 am
Ann, I am so, so sorry. Nick is in the forefront of happy memories I have of college, and many times after college as well. Without question, the largest regret I have in my life concerning the move I made to Portland 5 years ago is the distance between myself and friends and family. I truly wish I could be there now, but that is not going to happen. Please accept my condolences in this most trying of times.
at 10:21 am
Ann
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You put it best. He’s running again. Nick taught us all to appreciate everyday that we have on earth. The strength, love, patience and willingness you’ve showed these years are an example we all can learn from. When it’s all said and done, the question is left: Did we leave our mark? Nick definately did. Now he’s looking down from that big press box in the sky. My deepest condolences to you and everyone who’s life Nick touched.
at 10:38 am
Peace to you both.
at 10:39 am
Ann,
Yes, Nicholas is running with the Angels! Our friend who passed on to Heaven said the thing she was looking forward to most was being able to walk and talk again and meeting up with her parents and brother. Nick is running, talking and spending time with his loved ones that have passed before him. What a wonderful thing for him. Let’s celebrate his life, he truly left behind a lot of great memories. You, Ann, were so wonderful to him and you too will be blessed for all of the things that you have done and will continue to do.
You continue to be in our prayers,
Nick’s cousin – Laurie
at 2:53 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Ann. You have been Nick’s angel on earth. Now he will be yours. It is now time to celebrate Nick’s life and remember all times you had together. We must all cherish each moment we have with our loved ones, for we never know when each of us will meet our maker. Life flies by so fast, we must enjoy the little things in life. The coolness on your face from a breeze on a hot summer day, the warmth of the sun on a cold winters day, the smell in the air from a soft falling rain. The color of the flowers blowing in the wind. The smell of your loved ones clothes hanging on the chair. For these memories will last forever.
May God help ease your pain,
Nick’s cousin, Sheryl
at 5:56 pm
I am so saddened by this news, Ann. I only knew Nick a little through the communications department at Luther and interviewing him for a story for the college paper, but he was always so much fun, so positive. He will be missed by many. May memories, family and friends comfort you.
Peace and blessings,
Laura
at 6:48 pm
We were very saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
You are right in saying that “he’s running again”. This time with the angels.
Nick will be missed by all of our family, too, but please feel the comfort of the many friends and family that share in your loss.
Cheri Schumacher and family
at 8:24 pm
Ann,
I pray that Christ will shower you with peace, comfort, and courage.
Love and Blessings,
Meghan Konold (Chozen)
at 9:57 pm
Ann,
I am deeply saddened my Nick’s death. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. Nick has always held a special place in my heart…the Nick and Nick radio show during your Luther years was my first acquaintance with Nick. I knew he was a special individual at that time…but oh, how much the both of you have taught us all about how to live our lives over the past few years. Nick’s time on earth was too short we all know but it is my hope the lessons he taught us will not never be forgotten. His memory, his courage, his energy for living…will remain with me forever. Thanks, Nick for being a part of my life.
God’s peace,
Jane Hildebrand and Luther Women’s Basketball
at 10:47 pm
On the way home from Iowa today, Eva said, “Uncle Nick not sick anymore. He is in heaven. Uncle Nick happy.”
That’s what we will remind each other in the days ahead.
Love to you and the whole family.
Kurt
(Steve’s pal, Steve)
at 1:45 am
I had the honor to work for Nick my freshman year and i have never met a stronger spirit. Everytime i worked i would learn something about all the sports. He tooked some many people and im very glad that i was only of the lucky individuals. We will all remember.
Always and Forever,
Austin
at 5:23 am
Dear Huber family,
We were saddened to hear about Nick’s death, but we rejoice in knowing that he is now at rest in the arms of his Savior in Heaven. I have many fond memories of Nick as a small child in Sunday School and enjoyed keeping up on his career as he grew older. He has taught all of us so much about life through his attitude and his faith. May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you at this most difficult time. May He constantly remind you that you will be together again one day reaping the rewards of your faith in Him.
With love and sympathy,
Keith and Betsy Knodel
at 6:36 am
Dear Ann and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of Nick (most of them involving KWLC, sports, or both), and I will greatly miss the insights and razor-sharp wit he shared through this blog. Nick is an amazing person and he will always be remembered. I hope that it is of some comfort to you to know how many people are thinking about and praying for you and your family at this time. My deepest condolances for your loss.
-Emily
at 8:25 am
Ann, Karen, Jack & rest of the family. My prayers are with each of you. Everyone has shown an amazing testimony of faith, and the lives that you lived are a true testament to the life that Christ wants each of us to live. I am deeply saddened of Nicks passing, and a flood of memories come back to me when we were all in high school. I sang quite a few songs with Nick in show choir, and other events, what’s most memorable is our quartet that we had with my twin brother and Willie. It’s an amazing thought that Nick is truly running again, and I can see him now playing that first base again like he always use to. Nick is an inspiration to many people, and may his legacy live on.
at 8:36 am
To Ann, Nick’s parents and the entire Huber family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of a young man who had a drive for life, family and friends that was wonderful to see.
Speaking from the sports information side, Nick wasn’t just a colleague to the rest of us in the Iowa Conference and beyond…he was a friend. He was the first to chat with you after an event, ask how things were going and so forth. He had such passion for the profession and will be missed deeply by all of us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann, Nick’s parents and his family now and through the days ahead.
at 8:57 am
Ann, I cannot imagine the magnitude of your loss. You will never get over Nick’s passing…with time your grief will become more peaceful and quiet. I pray for that peace for you Ann. You are the strongest, most incredible woman that I have ever known. Your BVRMC family is here for you always.
at 11:35 am
Nick was a wonderful person and an amazing writer. I will never forget our little chats when he was writing my article. He was so kind and compassionate. He was one of the first people I visited after returning from nationals. I think he was even happier than I was about my accomplishments. I could never thank him enough. My thought and prayers are with his family and friends.
“Memories. Buena Vista University and Storm Lake are full of them” -Nick
at 1:02 pm
Ann,
I never had the pleasure of working with Nick but have heard other great things about him from other SIDs in the business. I just wanted to pass along that you and the Buena Vista family are in our thoughts and prayers at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
Jamie Gilliam
Sports Information Coordinator
The University of Alabama-Huntsville
at 2:16 pm
Ann,
I was saddened to hear the news but want you to know that Kelly and I are both praying for you! Nick was such an amazing guy to me. I got to know Nick playing baseball and sharing the mic with him for KWLC doing many Luther College basketball games. I am SO glad we got to sit with you at the five year reunion and share some old memories. I will never forget his smile, radio voice, and ability to laugh with the best.
The Jansen’s
at 3:39 pm
I have never met you or your husband but today I was looking at the obituaries in Yankton and saw Nick’s. I read some of the blog and was blessed to hear of all the love and support you and Nick have. I recently lost a 16 year old friend to Adult Lukemia. I pray that your memories will follow you every day and remind you of all you have. I cried today for someone I don’t know but I also prayed for you and your family. God Bless you and you are in my prayers.
at 4:33 pm
Ann,
When we heard about Nick’s death we were all shocked. You two made quite the impression on the 8th floor at Mercy. We were all hoping and praying for the best for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers and have our deepest sympathy.
Nurse Nicole and the other Nurses on 8SW at Mercy
at 4:53 pm
Ann-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never met Nick (and haven’t seen you in 20 years!) but my heart is breaking. From your blog it shows that he touched everyone around him, and was an incredible person. My deepest condolences. -tk
at 6:20 pm
Ann and Huber family-
I am so sorry for your loss. Nick touched so many lives over the years. There are many great memories I have of him that I will never forget. He truly was a special guy…always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. Just wanted to pass on my deepest sympathy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
at 8:18 pm
Ann and Huber Family-
Nick has touched more lives than can be thought humanly possible. He and Ann are such an inspiration. My sympathies are with you during this time of saddness and sorrow.
at 9:16 am
I became familiar with Nick’s story when I interviewed one of his student workers to be my assistant. He was a special person in our profession and touched many, like me, who never met him. He will be missed. My condolences.
Mike Falk
Sports Information Director
Muhlenberg College
Allentown, Pa.
at 5:13 pm
Ann,
I’m so sorry to hear about Nick’s passing. I really enjoyed the time I spent with Nick on the Luther baseball team and have learned even more about him through his hilarious, touching blogs. It was great to see you both at the Iowa Conference baseball tournament last May. To hear Nick analyzing the IIAC players and cracking one liners made the trip so special. And to see him doing what he most loved doing in life was beyond inspriational. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom
at 5:39 pm
My wife Andrea and I want to express our deepest sympathies following Nick’s death. He was a wonderful guy. Although I never had Nick as a student in my biology courses while he was at Luther, he and his buddy Matt Ough would often come over to our house and play with our kids or help on some remodeling project. We always enjoyed having him around, and were deeply saddened to learn of his battle with ALS. However, the manner in which he fought against the disease was truly an inspiration. We know he will be missed tremendously by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott, Andrea, Linnea, Hayden and Christian Carlson
at 6:11 pm
This is not what I was hoping to hear coming back from several weeks of work related chaos. I am so sorry for your loss Ann. Nick was an amazing writer and brought joy to many, but that paled in comparison to the joy I saw whenever you looked at him at Katie’s wedding. He will be deeply missed, as I am sure you know. You are in my prayers and if there is anything I can do (granted I am in Idaho) let me know.
harry
at 6:33 pm
Sweet Ann,
We are so saddened by the news of Nick’s passing, words cannot express. I hope you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during these days. I was so moved on your wedding day, watching the two of you in love and singing those special words: “I Will Be Here.” Your love and devotion in the face of uncertainty and disease stand out as a shining light to everyone who knows you. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
With Love,
Katy & Karl
at 6:58 pm
Dear Ann,
Our prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember the big smile on Nicks face when I delivered a May basket to your home. What a guy. Even when my mother, Vivian Anderson and me stopped in to see you two last week he had a smile. May our loving God give you strength to get you through this hard time.
Gary and Deb Demers, Storm lake
at 7:50 pm
Ann and Huber Family,
I was saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. I only met you, Ann, at our 5 year class reunion and I was glad to see him happy and with someone that made him as happy as you made him. After our first year of college working together, I didn’t see much of him but he was one of the best people I ever met throughout my experiences at Luther (or throughout my entire life, really) and I am truly sorry to hear.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renee Zerbel
at 8:41 pm
Ann,
I just found out today of Nick’s passing and wanted to tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I only met you and/or Nick a couple of times, but had the opportunity to travel with him on the way home for one of our breaks. He and I hitched a ride with Lauren (Caruso) Walker – It remains the best and most entertaining ride home I had in all my four years at Luther.
As I read these comments, and all of his writing, I can tell that he will be greatly missed and has touched many lives. He will remain in my memory as well.
Much Peace, Ann
Mairin
at 12:08 pm
Ann,
Nick was maybe the bravest person I have ever met personally, and one of the best young SIDs in the business. His loss is great, but his life and legacy touched so many people and he continues to inspire those to live each day to the fullest.
Having grown up near Storm Lake (Newell) and also serving as an SID in the IIAC (Loras), I know so many people that are truly touched by both you and Nick’s courage and willingness to share your lives.
I remember first meeting Nick at the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Gustavus and thinking, “this is a great guy,” way before I came to realize the extent of what a great guy he was. I also remember thinking what a great young SID he was and that Dave Blanchard at Luther and Tim Kennedy at Gustavus must be very proud of this young product of their respective camps. I remember thinking what a steal BV got when Nick was hired there and how happy I was to hear he was going to be working in the IIAC.
Of all those SID memories though, I think the one that has stuck with me the most personally is when I heard that you decided to move your wedding ahead instead of cancelling it at Nick’s request once he was diagnosed. We have never met, but that part of your incredible story with Nick has made me more and more grateful for my wife and family than you can ever imagine.
The Galbraiths will continue to pray for you and your family from far away (we now live in Alabama), but just as your latest post is titled – He is Running Again – know the solice that comes with love more than loss, and the belief that Nick is at peace.
God bless,
Tom Galbraith
at 9:02 am
Ann-
we’ve never met, but I knew Nick at Luther. I worked in the SIDs office and had the pleasure of doing a few radio broadcasts with Nick. He will always be remembered as a smart, talented, and giving person. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. Heaven is far richer for his presence.
God bless you and your families,
Lori
at 6:17 pm
Ann~
I do not know either of you, but a a Luther Alum and someone who had a brother who graduated with you, I have been keeping up with your website for quite some time. My heart goes out to you at this time. Nick was truly an inspiration and it’s so unfortunate that he had to go through what he did at such a young age. Just know he touched many people through his site.
God bless you, your families and Ylvi during this time as well as,
Shari Julson
Class of ‘92
at 2:42 am
Ann – I’m not sure if you remember me…I was a CNA that you worked with at Hudson. (I sure do remember you though.) I vividly remember your beautiful wedding and the emotions felt that day
I am so unbelievably sorry to hear about Nick. I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through right now, I cannot even think of any words to express to you my sympathy. You two were truly amazing together – anyone could see that. I didn’t know Nick, but it sounds like he was a strong person and an inspiration to many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
at 7:28 am
Ann,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Nick’s passing. The strength and love the two of you shared is inspiring. May the peace of Christ be with you during this trying time and please know that all of us here in the Hanson household are thinking of you and praying for you.
God Bless,
Becky, Jon and Tristan Hanson
at 10:19 am
Ann,
We are praying for you and all impacted by Nick’s passing. Words can’t even begin to describe what a wonderful man he was, but, regardless, we all feel in our hearts a sadness. Your marriage, friendship, and strength are what we should all strive for. What an amazing example you and Nick have set for everyone.
May God give you peace and comfort,
Mike & Angela LaBelle
at 11:15 am
Ann, Nick’s parents and family,
After reading your message we need to write to you. We are Kara Popp’s parents in Wisconsin. Having never met Nick or any of you, yet we feel a connection through our faith in Jesus Christ. You continue to be in our prayers and thank God for people like all of you who witness to us. Nick is God’s blessing to all of us.
Paul and Dardy Berge
at 7:46 pm
I will never forget meeting Nick for the first time, when we hired him at KWLC at Luther….he was SOOOOO into sports…I couldn’t understand how a single soul could LOVE sports so MUCH….but came to find out Nick was amazing.
I recently heard of his passing and wanted to share how my heart hurts for you Ann and I pray you will find peace during this difficult time.
It rained here in New York today, and the most amazing rainbow showed up. My son (who is 4) told me that the rainbow is all of the angels saying hi to their friends. I must have looked sad when he said that as he then said “Mama, don’t be sad, God is there babysitting all of them. Don’t worry, He won’t forget to give them a snack and make sure they take a nap.” I thought of Nick……..and according to Kyler Luther, my 4 year old, Nick will be taken care of…including snack and nap time
I appreciate I had a chance to meet him and know him. I think we are all better people because of Nick.
Good Bless,
Lindsey Thompson
at 8:12 pm
what an amazing love story….i too have ALS and knowing the 100% support Ann gave….i pray i had a partner to do the same….you and nick are a lesson and blessing to us all…deannie vernon (lori hansen’s sister) victoria british columbia canada
at 10:40 am
Dear Ann,
I’m in Nottingham England teaching, and just received the news of Nick’s passing. I’m so very sorry Ann. You’re very much in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that all of us here at Luther are thinking of you,
Jayme
at 11:56 am
Dear Ann,
I believe I may have only met you once, but I have to say that you are an incredible woman, wife and companion. I am saddened to hear of Nick’s passing, but reading your posts were truly beautiful and something to cherish. I had the pleasure of working with Nick at Gustavus in the Sports Information Office. We had so many great times together working round the clock on game days, and Nick’s cheerful personality and full of life spirit made the office a welcome place to be. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and may Nick rest peacefully.
at 11:10 am
Ann and family,
I’ve been searching for words since I first learned about Nick’s passing,but haven’t found any that express the depth of admiration for both of you and the sadness that I feel. I do want you to know, however that I am grateful for people like the two of you, who show such courage, positive spirit and strength in your daily life. I will continue to think of you and pray for you as you keep fighting on with such grace. Please do not hesitate if there is (by chance) something I can do… (I can certainly provide an equatorial vacation, but that may not be interesting (-; ).
Jane