Stanley E. Nilson

April 23, 1942 - December 24, 2023

Stanley Eaton Nilson was born in Evanston, IL on April 23, 1942 and passed with loving family around him on Dec. 24, 2023. Stan was adopted as an infant by Stanley and Eugenia (Sims) Nilson and grew up on the north side of Chicago in a great neighborhood known as Sauganash.  He graduated from North Park Academy where he was captain of the football team, class president, Student Council Vice-President and in many other activities.  He also played basketball and ran track and was an extremely popular “Big Man on Campus” and became the incredibly nice and gentle guy that he remained all of his life.  He then attended DePauw University in Indiana where he was an active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and graduated with a degree in business.  At DePauw he met Sherri Eikenberry and they married in July of 1964.

After living and working in Chicago for several years, Stan and Sherri and their three small children moved to Boulder, CO and built a home in Spanish Hills near Stan’s sister, Susan. They immediately embraced the Colorado lifestyle and became involved in camping, hiking and skiing.  And pets-there were always pets.  Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs all joined the family.  Stan was involved in a variety of business endeavors and they owned a retail florist shop for some years.  Stan was always a huge supporter of his children’s activities, and enjoyed helping them with their interests over the years.

DNA testing in 2018 led Stan to the discovery of his half-brother, Paul Tatge, who lives in Minnesota.  Neither knew of the other’s existence. Stan and Paul have enjoyed a warm friendship since then and have gotten together several times. Stan and Sherri downsized to a smaller home in Longmont in 1998 and Stan began working for Longmont United Hospital transporting seniors to the adult day care at the hospital.  He did this for many years and enjoyed helping these fragile seniors have more independence.  More recently, Stan lived in an Assisted Living Home in Denver near his daughters. 

Stan was a huge train buff and loved both regular and model railroading.  It started with many trips on the Super Chief as a boy.  He had an extensive collection of model trains that he built.  He also took numerous rides on the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway and was a frequent visitor to the Colorado Railroad Museum. Stan was also a rabid Denver Broncos Fan.

Stan is survived by his wife, Sherri, and three children.  Kristin Nilson, Erik Nilson (Heather) and Kimberly Nilson (Ryan Bartlett).  He also leaves seven grandchildren.  Cole and Spencer Anthony, Bruce, Luke and William Nilson and Amelia and Abigail Nilson-Bartlett.  Stan was a wonderful father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his children.  He also leaves his sister, Susan Francisco, his half-brother, Paul Tatge, and his close cousin, Sally Vest, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held in the spring.