Nicholas “Nick” Frank Manolovits celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2023 with the angels while being loved and cared for by his wife & children. He no longer will suffer from the effects of Alzheimer’s and the physical weakness that plagued him the last few years.
Nick was the second youngest of eleven children born to Katherina & Ferdinand Manolovits. He was born in Mott, ND on April 1, 1935. The family moved to Billings when he was nine. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Billings Central HS in 1953.
Nick & Margaret McCracken were high school sweethearts and after a 3-year courtship they were married in 1956. They created a wonderful family of 4 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Nick deeply loved his family and truly worshipped his wife. They were a pair for the ages.
Nick’s first career was as a journeyman carpenter. He changed paths but his fix it and building skills were a lifelong treasure. The family so enjoyed the home he built for them in the Helena Valley. He went on to build another house for his daughter’s family. Nick was the ultimate handyman. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix and put back to good use. He was a great mentor to his son and both his sons-in-law.
When the family was young Nick’s job with Burroughs took them from Billings to Butte, to Great Falls, then to Helena. He had to travel a lot, but the weekends were devoted to family activities. Nick was a constant at all his kids’ sporting events. He continued to enjoy cheering on the grandkids. Many weekends were spent camping and boating at Canyon Ferry and Gates of the Mountains.
Golf and fun times with their friends brought lots of joy to Nick and Marge. There are countless stories of the travels & times with their “group”. Nick was so proud that he shot a hole in one before the younger golfers in the family.
Nick and Marge retired early. They loved the snowbird life in Bullhead City, AZ for years. For the last 15 years they have wintered in Mesquite, NV. There they made many friends. Their days were filled with the 3G’s: golf, gambling, and good weather. Up until the last few weeks of his life Nick was always looking for a good card game.
Nick will be remembered as an extremely kind and humble man. He always wanted to help others and easily greeted strangers. He was always creating to-do lists. Some items on his lists were tasks, but he also included: give hugs, wear a smile, teach a child to whistle, say ‘I love you’. He was good at working through his lists. His swift sense of humor and readiness to play made him a hit with his grandkids. He really enjoyed their life activities and accomplishments. They cherished their papa and grandpa.
Nick was preceded in death by his son Jerry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marge and their children; Nikki Lytle (Jim), Jim Manolovits (Val) and Linda Hicks (Scott), grandchildren; Jodie Toresdahl (Brett), Brian Lytle, Ashley Buckley (Connor) and Allie Hicks and her fiance Conor McCarvel, great grandchildren; Norah and Conor Nicholas Toresdahl and Hayes Nicholas Buckley.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd., with a reception to follow to the Mass at the church.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 13, 2023
Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday April 13, 2023
Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jim and Sally says
We are so very sorry to hear about Nick. He was a sweetheart. Thoughts and prayers to all. 💔💔🙏🏼🙏🏼
Julie says
Oh,Nick…One of our all-time favorite neighbors and a wonderful friend. My thoughts, love and prayers are with you all.
Bob & Janice Parsley says
So sorry to hear about Nick’s passing! Our most sincere condolences to Marge and the family!
Lisa Scott says
I have fond memories of growing up next door to Nick and Marge. They were good neighbors and friends to my parents. Sending your family hugs and prayers. ❤️
Nick Seibert says
What a beautiful remembrance. Your family have always had a place in our hearts. It was always fun to see Nick at the reunions. He was always wearing as smile and ready to play whatever card game that came up, or just have a great visit. I will covet the memories I have with my Uncle ‘Nick’. How could I not, when we have the same name. Hugs to all of you.
Jamon and Lisa Jewett says
So sad to hear of Nick’s passing. He certainly lived a good and wonderful life and had a great family. Hope all those memories give you all smiles and comfort.
The Potuzaks says
An outstretched hand to your family with peaceful wishes. Our thoughts are with you for many blessings. May your memories make this an easier path to walk in your lives.
Chuck & nancy Schatzka says
Nancy and I were so saddened to here of Nick’s passing. We have many memories of the fun get togethers back in the Burroughs & Unisys days. Parties & camping at Hauser Lake as well as the many times fixing those computers over the years. . We so enjoyed our last meeting with you guys at Gary & Colleen’s in 2018! We stopped for a short visit on our way to Vegas & didn’t get back on the road until near midnight. So much fun visiting & talking about old times. Marge, we are thinking about you and the family. Hugs and prayers from Nancy & Chuck.
Ted Polette says
Dear Jimmer, Val, and family,
I’m so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing and wish you peace as you navigate the path along your grief journey. Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories and may you enjoy the blossoms forever!
God bless you and your family. His love and mine, Ted
Rex L Pfister says
So sad to hear of Nick’s passing. I had fun working with Nick over so many years in Helena and getting to know his family. I hope those left behind can find peace and comfort in their memories of Nick.