Francis Leo Nicholson

A Tribute to the Life of Francis Leo Nicholson (father of Delores Reimer):

Francis Leo Nicholson was born on January 27, 1895, in Cook County, IL. He was the son of Charles and Ellen. He had 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Leo served in the U.S. Army 27th Infantry in World War I as a private from 1918 -1919. The 27th Infantry was ordered into Siberia by President Woodrow Wilson to secure war supplies on the docks of Vladivostok. Then they went up the railways to pursue the communists threatening the line. It was bitter cold. They referred to the Americans as the wolfhounds. Leo did not discuss his time in the military; however his younger brother, Harry said, “He did what he was told to do.”

Leo was honorably discharged on October 28, 1919, having received a bonus of $600.00.

Leo married Florence Blaudow on May 12, 1930. Together they had 4 children, William, Betty, Shirley and Delores. They also had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Leo was employed by Allis-Chalmers Co., in Harvey, as a machinist. He received an award for 33 years of service. Leo died on January 15, 1961. He is buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Lemont.