Nicholas "Nick" Arthur Menard

Age 28, of Cottage Grove, passed away at home unexpectedly on January 20, 2024. Nick is preceded in death by grandparents, Jack and Grace Howitz, Ron and Sheryl Menard and cousin, Steve Werner.

 He is survived by his loving parents, Steve and Mary Menard. Aunts: Ruth (Bill) Messner, Lugene (Dan) Werner, Renee (Terry) Kelly. Uncles: Peter (Daisy) Howitz, Paul (Jan)Menard. Cousins: Andy (Diane) Messner, Katie and Mark Messner, Cory and Anthony Howitz, Jillian (Eric) Bailey, Paul (Megan) Lewis, Krysta Werner, Krissie (Tim) Thrush, Zach (Robin) Fair, Megan and Alec Fair and Andy Menard.

Nick swam on the Park High School Swim Team, played on the Thunderbolts Adapted Soccer and Softball teams, bowled in the Special Needs Bowling Leagues, Swam and Played Poly Hockey on the Hastings Sharks Special Olympic teams.

Special people: Samantha (Sami) Hause and her parents Bradley and Kelly who loved him so dearly and embraced him as their own.

Krissie (Kee and Blondie) Thrush who has always been Nick’s big sister.

Katelyn (Nana Katie) Messner who spent summers with us while in college.

Lugene (Uncle Lug) Werner who has always been there in good times and bad for Nick as well as Steve and Mary.

Robin, Lauren, Amanda and Jonathan Burks taught Nick to swim from an early age to eventually competing on the Park High Swim Team.

The many teachers and staff at Armstrong Elementary, Cottage Grove Middle, Park High and Next Step program.

The Staff and Nick’s many friends at Midwest Special Services Oakdale.  They helped him to continue his growth as a person and nourished his desire to learn.

 (Memorials preferred)

And the countless people whose lives he touched along the way.

Nick’s cheerful smile and impish grin could light up any room and make any dark day bright.  He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Nick will never be forgotten and will stay in our hearts forever.

 A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at 10 AM with an hour visitation prior at The Church of Saint Rita (8694 80th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016).

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.

To view a special tribute created for Nick- please click on the link directly below this obituary.