Louann McDonnell Nicolai

life story

Louann (McDonnell) Nicolai, cherished daughter of Dick (St.Joseph, MO) and Adah May (Chicago, IL) McDonnell, born August 8, 1951 in Orange, California, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones at home in Grant, MN on June 18, 2025.

With her steadfast husband David Nicolai at her side, she devoted herself to her five sons and their spouses: Rick, Jamey and Shirley, Gregory and Melinda, Will and Jennie, and Christopher; as well as stepsons Joel Nicolai and Matt and Jenny Nicolai.

Her legacy extends to a menagerie of grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Havik Holte and Angela Hughes, and their children Havik Holte Jr and Camile Holte

Alexis and Benjamin Swanson, Caleb Holte, Ethan Holte and Dylan Holte

Emberly Meyers, Kypian Meyers, Tennyson Meyers and Gillavry Meyers

Connor Holte, Aiden Holte, Hailey Holte, Brooke Holte, Kendall Holte and Myles Holte

Ava Nicolai and Allie Nicolai

Louann is known for her family-first ideology, embracing anyone who walked through her kitchen door as ‘Logical Family’ that includes:

Gail Frame, Luke Siegle, Tiffany and Scott Andrews-Naslund, Todd and Angie Inott DuCharme, Cliff and Kathy Kirchner, Chris Curti and beyond.

In addition to family, Louann had an exceptional professional life, beginning in the early 70’s when she opened her own salon that she operated while assisting her parents with their resort in Akeley, MN. In the 80’s, she became an Asset Manager for the Twin Cities Housing Development. Later, she moved on to be Controller for the largest McDonald’s franchise in the Twin Cities, and finally capping off her career as an Account Executive for CB Richard Ellis.

She also had many civic commitments that included: Majority Membership in the International Order of Job’s Daughters, and Past Worthy Matron of International Order of Eastern Star Chapter 200 (White Bear Lake, MN).

Louann’s will lives on through her influence of loyalty and integrity which she instilled in her boys, along with her commitment to family and community service. Her presence will always be felt and voice will always be heard in the minds and hearts of everyone who encountered her.

The Family will host a celebration of life at their home, please follow them on social media for updates. Memorial contributions to the PAN Foundation on Louann’s behalf in lieu of flowers are encouraged.

PAN Foundation

https://www.panfoundation.org/