Source: Elgin Echo, October 17, 1918, pg. 1

Our little village was shrouded in sorrow when the news came Tuesday that Theodore Nicklaus had passed away at Iowa City. It was known that he was desperately ill, his mother, Mrs. C.W. Nicklaus, having been informed of his condition. The first message stated that he was ill, then another brought the tidings that he was improving then the third called the mother to his bedside for a relapse had come and he was worse.

Mrs. Nicklaus, accompanied by Mrs. George Berry of West Union, was taken to Iowa City by Otto Stoehr and Mel Bohler, in the Stoehr car, Sunday. They arrived there early Monday morning and Mrs. Nicklaus was with her boy during the last of his illness.

In life Theodore Nicklaus was a lovable lad, large physique, big hearted and broad minded. He was an agreeable companion and always had a witty reply for any sally. He was one of our boys natural endowments seemed to have prepared for great things in this life, and his death, just at the beginning of manhood, is one of the occurrences that are hard for mortals to understand.

Theodore Charles Nicklaus was born in Elgin, Iowa, August 18, 1900; died at Iowa City, October 15, 1918. He lived and grew to young manhood in Elgin. Here he attended the public schools from which institution he graduated in 1917. Later he attended Upper Iowa University one year.

September 26, 1918, he entered the engineering department of the Students' Army Training Corps at the Iowa State University. It was while here he contracted the illness that, in spite of the best care and medical attendance and in spite of his strong and robust physique, he was unable to withstand.
Besides the many other relatives and friends he leaves to mourn their loss, a mother, Mrs. Mary A. Nicklaus, two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Fahey of Inwood, and Miss Helen Nicklaus of Elgin, and a brother, Sergeant Harry Nicklaus with the American Expeditionary Forces in France. In the death of Theodore Nicklaus Elgin has lost one of her most promising young men. He was ambitious and industrious; with those traits was combined a strong intellect that gave promise of a life of usefulness. His good natured humor and friendliness made him a most agreeable companion. To those who knew him he was always the happy warm hearted boy.

The funeral part arrived in Elgin Wednesday noon and the funeral, of a private nature, was held from the home that afternoon, between the hours of three and four o'clock. Short but impressive services were conducted by Rev. Wedel of the Baptist church, and the body was laid to rest in the family lot in the Elgin cemetery, amidst a profusion of beautiful flowers.

As a mark of respect to the deceased and family, which has so long been connected with the business and social interests of our town, all business places closed their doors and business was suspended during the hour of the funeral.

Our whole community sympathizes with the family in their bereavement.