Nick's Story

      Nicolas R. Nieboer, age 24, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 6, 2023, with his family by his side. Nicolas was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 15, 1998. He was an incredibly strong person who has been a bright light and inspiration to many. He was born with spina bifida, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Even so, Nick lived an active life and participated in a lot of adaptive wheelchair sports, including basketball and hand cycling. His determination led him to compete in the Boston Marathon in 2019, one of his proudest accomplishments. He loved watching almost every sport, but especially Michigan football with his extended family. Nick also had a tremendous love for people. He was known for his joyful spirit and great hugs. He had a positive attitude and loved making new friends. This included many of the WMU football and hockey players, as well as the Kalamazoo College men's soccer players. Some of Nick's favorite memories were camping at the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds, spending a week every summer with his family up at Lake Leelanau, making his rounds greeting people at church, and summer picnic suppers outside with his family followed by outdoor games and a campfire. He also enjoyed music of all kinds, including worship songs that often calmed him when he was anxious.