Nickolas Backus

Nickolas R. Backus age 83 of Columbia Heights, formerly of the Westbrook area, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Crestview Lutheran Home in Columbia Heights.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 11 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Westbrook.  Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday until the time of services, with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery.  The Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Nickolas Robert “Nick” Backus was born August 6, 1927 in Jeffers, Minnesota to Christ and Evelyn (Spensely) Backus.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith.  Nick graduated from Westbrook High School.  He was united in marriage to Frances Engelkes on November 27, 1948 in Currie, Minnesota.  Together the couple made their home near Westbrook, Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis.  Nick worked as an engineer on the Soo Line Railroad for over 30 years.  He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  Nick enjoyed fishing, traveling, and visiting and keeping in touch with family and friends.

Nick is survived by his sons George (Maria) Backus of Albuquerque, NM and Gary Backus of Coon Rapids, MN; grandson Thomas Backus of Albuquerque, NM; siblings: Rita Bruning of Westbrook, Leola (Irving) Powell of Minneapolis, Trudy Brown of Minneapolis, and Clarence Backus of Bryson City, NC.  He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Frances.