Loving husband and father, Nicholas Dale Thul, 86, of Duluth, Minnesota, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospital.

He was born July 27, 1929, to Veronica I. (Good) and Nicholas J. Thul in Vernon Center, Minnesota. Nick married Shirley Ann Heimann on June 12, 1951. Nick was loved dearly by his family and friends. He was the very best husband and father. Nick loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards, and boating on the lake. He was a natural-born storyteller. Nick spoke with his eyes and had an amazing smile. He will be missed every single day. Nick, along with his wife Shirley, owned and operated Midwest Business Systems, Inc. Nick was a member of the Hilltoppers Lions Club; a board member for the Lighthouse for the Blind; the American Legion; and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Nick is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Shirley; and his children, Mark (Kathryn) of Iron River, Wisconsin, Deb (Mike) Clingman of Duluth, Mary Lynn (Brian) Connors of Citrus Heights, California, David (Cathy) of Hibbing, Minnesota, Nancy (Todd) Knutson of Hayward, Wisconsin, and Scott (Carol) of Superior, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Nick, Lisa, Jeffrey, Julie, Abby, Alex, Tucker, Allie, and Hannah; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Anna, Ryan, Cera, and Maxwell; his brother Edmund Dean Thul; and his sisters, Vera (Kenny) Grimes, Marcella Doyle, Kathryn Resner and Margaret (Al) Kimball.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother Vincent.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016, until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd., Duluth. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. If so desired, memorials may be directed to www.SmileTrain.org. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.