Nicholas Charles VanGemert entered this world on September 13, 1982, in Beloit, Wisconsin, and resided in Mitchell, Indiana. Nicholas left this world peacefully, February 18, 2026, with his family by his side.
At just 43 years old, Nick achieved more in his life than most could ever think of accomplishing in a lifetime.
As a child, he aspired to be the best at everything, winning a Pine Wood Derby Contest, being voted by coaches to the Little League All Star Team three years in a row as a pitcher and outfielder, and winning Offensive Player of the Year as quarterback for his junior high football team. He loved to skateboard (but his lil’ bro was better), play basketball with neighborhood friends (winning most of the time), and was one heck of a fisherman. He could catch every rock, leaf, branch, tree, or log, but not too many fish.
As an adult, he was a master in the kitchen and on the grill, often making enough food for 40 people when there were only 20 people. Nick was referred to as the “nicest guy around,” often meeting a stranger and calling him a good friend by the end of the day. He loved to play pool, but his favorite game was cornhole – where everyone wanted to be his partner because he just didn’t lose. He loved to hang with his friends by the fire pit, watch the Green Bay Packers and any basketball game, but most of all, he loved to be with family. He had many names that he went by: Dad, Nick, Kiddo, Nicholas, Bro, Big Brother, Nick V., but to Mom, he was always Nickie.
His two boys were his life, and he was so proud of all of their accomplishments. He loved to play catch in the yard, cheer them on at all their games, try to beat them on Xbox, or just hang out. You could tell how proud Nick was of Caleb and Dawson just by all the pictures he would post on Facebook.
Nick attended Beloit Memorial High School and received his GED in 2001. He worked in manufacturing most of his adult life.
Nicholas is survived by his parents, Debi & Rich Ward; sons, Caleb and Dawson; the mother of his boys, Anna; siblings, Johnny and Mandi (Adam); Grandma Herold and Grandma Ward; aunts, Lisa (Paul) and Char; nieces and nephews, Brayden, Bristin, Jace, and Penelope; and a whole lot of cousins. Special fiends is a very, very long list, and surely we would miss some, so we have this to say: Thank you to all of his Indiana friends and his WISCONSIN HOMIES, we feel the love!
His brother, Chris; sister, Brandi; Grandpa Herold; Grandpa Ward; and uncle, Jeff, preceded him in death.
Cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of Nick’s Life will be posted at a later date on Facebook by his sister.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com
