Albert N. Nicola

ALBERT N. NICOLA

Columbus City

Albert N. Nicola, 86, of Columbus City, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the Washington County Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at the Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction. Burial will be in the Columbus City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home with a 7:00 p.m. Masonic Service. Due to COVID-19, restrictions, all who attend are required to wear a mask and social distance. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Louisa County Shrine Club or the Shriner's Hospital in memory of Albert. Online condolences may be sent to the Nicola family at www.sandfuneralservice.com.

Albert Nathan Nicola was born on November 24, 1934, in Todd Town, Iowa, the son of Clyde A. and Evelyn (Thompson) Nicola. He was a 1953 graduate of Columbus Community High School. Albert proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956-1958. On February 28, 1957, Albert was united in marriage to Violet Mae Snider at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Albert worked most of his life for the railroad, starting with the Rock Island Railroad at the age of 15. He owned and operated his own excavating company from 1967-1980. He then went back to work for the railroad, working at the Milwaukee Railroad and retiring from Iowa Interstate Limited as a Railroad Master. Albert was a member of the Columbus City United Methodist Church, Masons, Shriners, NRA and also was a volunteer fire fighter for Columbus Junction. He also served on the Columbus City Council. Albert enjoyed woodworking, gunsmithing, photography, model airplanes, hunting and fishing, but most of all, he dearly loved to spend time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Albert will be deeply missed by his wife, Violet of Columbus City; his children, Kellie (Randell) Eden of Lone Tree and Thomas Nicola (Daphne Buser) of Columbus City; three grandchildren, Alan (Jenni) Eden, Ashlee (Jason) Grimm and Augusta (Jake) Jones; six great-grandchildren, Hogan and Owen Eden, Dallas and Drake Grimm and Isla and Cole Jones; one sister, Dora C. Grubb of St. Joseph, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents.