Nicholas B. “Nick” Bolander
August 1, 1985 – December 19, 2024
Nicholas Brock Bolander was born August 1, 1985, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Mark and Lori Bolander. Nick entered into rest December 19, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Nick grew up in Blair, Nebraska where he enjoyed a variety of sports, particularly baseball and later in life, golf. He graduated from Blair High School in 2004. While he had a passion for baseball, he also had a dream for flying. He pursued this dream of aviation by attending the University of Nebraska – Kearney. Nick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration (Aviation/Airway Management and Operations) in 2009.
Nick married the love of his life, Michaela Bertino, on April 14, 2012. They have four beautiful children: Alina (11), Vincent (10), Theo (10), and Louis (8). Nick was a loving husband and devoted father. He enjoyed spending time with his family at sporting/dance events and vacations on the beach.
When not attending or coaching one of his children’s sporting events, Nick was a captain and instructor pilot at FedEx. Throughout his personal and professional life Nick “knew no stranger.” Nick was known for his vibrant smile and bright personality. He cared deeply for his aviation family.
Nick will always be loved and remembered by his family, friends, and the numerous lives he impacted.
He was preceded in death by grandparents: Hannelore Bolander, Walter and Betty Lo Huss.
He is survived by his wife, Michaela; children: Alina, Vincent, Theo, and Louis; parents, Mark and Lori Bolander; brothers, Brandon and Garrett (Shelby) Bolander; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Rosemary Bertino; grandparents, Donald Bolander, Rose Salcedo; many nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends.
Vigil Service: Friday, December 27th, 6pm at Christ the King Catholic Church with visitation from 4-6pm.
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, December 28th, 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Michaela in support of Alina, Vincent, Theo, and Louis educational fund.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
58 Comments
Hurts. We first met at Nicks new hire, FX ALPA welcome FEB 2017, becoming immediate and lasting friends. I saw nothing but enthusiasm in him over the past years, ever since. Here if you need anything. –Rich
My sincerest of condolences to the Bolander Family. Our family will be praying for your peace during these difficult times.
Sincerest condolences to the Bolander family; it was a privilege to work with Nick and call him a friend, I’m just one of the scores of folks that he influenced and helped professionally and through friendship.
To the Bolander Family
My heart goes out to each and every one of you. There are few people that make an impression like Nick. He will be missed greatly. May the Lord give you all peace that goes beyond understanding. Prayers to you and yours. God Speed.
I had the pleasure of flying with Nick , it was always a pleasure and a great aviator. What sad news.
Nick, my Omaha FedEx buddy, was a true leader, volunteer, and hard worker who dedicated himself to helping everyone he interacted with. We lived just one neighborhood apart in Collierville and used to chat frequently years ago. We were hired weeks apart. Nick spoke highly of his family and always wanted the best for everyone. I will forever remember him as one of the greats. It’s heartbreaking to know that he passed away so soon. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Deepest condolences to Michaela and family. I am certain the pain of your loss must feel unbearable. Nick touched so many of us at FedEx with his charismatic smile and enthusiasm. It is with tremendous gratitude I so often had the privilege of listening to him thunder away at Pilot and Union issues. Nick was a passionate advocate for all pilots and he leaves a tremendous hole in so many of our hearts.. He always made time for a phone call and to help others. Nick was truly a servant leader and friend to all. God Speed Nicholas; The world is a better place from having had you in it 💕 I’m sorry you had to leave us so soon.
I am so sorry for your loss. Nick was a great guy and a great mentor when I was a first officer. My prayers for his amazing family.
Heartbroken! Remembering so many spirited discussions with Nick who wanted to make a positive difference at every turn. I am so saddened by this I don’t have words. Keeping your entire family in my prayers during this very difficult time.
Nick worked for me at GoJet and was a great professional! His death is a loss to his family and the svistiion community, He will be greatly missed.
Nick and I have walked many a mile on the golf course since we met back in early 2021. We’d talk kids baseball, family, flying, and have solved just about all the union’s problems. I’ll miss his endless enthusiasm, the relentless banter, and looking for his tee shots in the woods. I wish we could tee em up one more time. Goodbye my good friend..
My deepest condolences to the Bolander family. I worked with Nick at FedEx and through our volunteer work with ALPA. Nick was always an energetic presence to be around and very passionate about the pilots he represented and trained. I also remember him talking about Michaela and the kids, you could tell how much he loved them all. RIP Nick.
Nick was truly one of the best. I worked with him when I was in the training department. He always made time for you, went out of his way to make sure you were taken care of…he was a great person, colleague and friend. My sincerest condolences to his family
To Michaela and family, may you be blanketed in comfort at this difficult time and know that distance does not hinder the love, care and support from your friends across the miles. Praying for peace and strength.
Lifting your entire family up in prayer. It was always fun having your family in the neighborhood. , Nick was always up to a new home project and I always witnessed him being super fun and joyful with your children. Sending you lots of love and prayers for peace and strength. God Bless You!l
To Michaela and family…words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. He was a good man! Had the pleasure to fly with him and work with him in the Flight Training department. We will miss him dearly—his smile, his laugh, and his caring soul. The entire instructor family is here if you need anything.
My deepest sympathies to the Bolander family. I knew Nick from GoJet and FedEx, he was a fine aviator and a good friend. Always had a big smile, I enjoyed our friendship and our professional careers together. You will be missed Nick. Michaela and kids, Cindi and I are praying fervently for you during this difficult time.
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”
I can’t believe this. I’m so sorry for this loss. Nick was the best kind of person and the world is dimmer without him in it. From talking about airplanes to talking baseball I always enjoyed working with him. I flew my final trip on the CRJ with him and still have a picture of us in BOI that rotates in my digital photo frame. I’m so sorry.
Michaela, Jill and I are heartbroken for you and the children. There truly are no words in this moment. We pray the Lord will comfort you.
My heart is so broken for this tragedy. We love you Michaela, Alina, Vinny, Theo, and Louis. The best family, the best guy. When we moved to TN, they were one of our first friends, they became some of our best friends. Know that all of us will help raise these kids, you are not alone. May Nick rest in peace. We love you.
To Mrs. Bolander and your precious children. I am so sorry for your loss. Nick had a very powerful voice, was a true leader, and advocate for all of us. My families thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are praying for Michaela, their children, and the entire Bolander family. Like so many others, I knew Nick as an excellent pilot and superior instructor at FedEx. Nick selflessly mentored me when I was considering starting a business, despite all the demands on his time. God bless your family in this incredibly difficult time. Proverbs 3:5-6
I had the honor of having Nick as an instructor as a new hire. I was amazed by his commitment to FedEx. His personality was contagious. His energy was unmatched. My sincere condolences.
To the Bolander Family – my family and I would like to added to the list of people praying for you and we will keep you in our prayers especially during this difficult time. Please know that we all loved Nick as he was a great guy and could not find a better friend and person. God Speed and please let any of us know if we can be of service.
From the very first time I first met Nick, he was a person I looked up to and admired. He took personal time out of his very busy schedule to mentor me and was always a resource I could count on. Most of all though, he was a friend. My family and I are better off because of Nick and he will always have a special place in our hearts.
On behalf of FedEx Air Ops Training, please accept our condolences. Nick was a gifted aviator and passionate instructor, but what impressed me the most about Nick was his love for his family and his selfless volunteerism supporting his fellow FedEx pilots/instructor cadre. His loss will be felt in the halls of the schoolhouse, but his legacy will remain through the example that he set for all of us.
Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for your family during this very difficult time,
Respectfully,
Mike Cruff
Nick was one of the first people I met at FedEx. He was very welcoming and kindhearted. His passion for FedEx and his fellow pilots was contagious. May God bless the Bolander family during this difficult time.
To the Bolander Family, I am so sorry for your loss and totally gutted with Nick’s passing. We served together working for our fellow ALPA pilots. While we might have not have agreed on every issue, it was so obvious how much Nick cared about the pilots he served and how hard he worked for them. He was a champion for our pilots and I am thankful to have known him.
My Family is so Sorry for your loss. I know how much he loved you. In my time with Nick, he always talked about y’all and wanted the best for your future. I am so sorry. We will be Praying for you. God Bless
My most heart felt condolences to your family. Nick was a pleasure to fly with and to be around. We will all miss him.
There are no words for such a loss. I had the honor and privilege of doing union work alongside Nick at FedEx. He was well spoken and passionate. He loved his family deeply. I pray that God keeps watch over your family to bring you peace during this very difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Nick. I pray that the love of God embraces you and His grace comforts you during your difficult times.
I was blessed to get to fly with Nick briefly at FedEx. Praying for your family and God’s peace and healing during this season. Phil 4:6-7 is my prayer for your family!
Condolences to the entire Bolander Family. I met Nick when he was an instructor at Fedex. He was one of the good guys. We talked in the parking lot for about an hour after the event. Such a kind and loving guy. You’ll be missed. Bolander Family, you are in my prayers.
A great husband, father, friend and pilot. Nick, you will be missed. Our heartfelt prayers for your family.
I am very sorry to hear about this tragic loss. My deepest condolences go to Michaela and the kids. Such a tragic loss.
I was hired at FedEx with Nick back in 2017. About 90% of the people you meet in life will not leave a lasting impression. Nick was definitely not in that group. His zeal for aviation was contagious. He made everyone around him better. I was always so impressed with his desire to serve others. He will be missed by many! Godspeed my colleague!
Our hearts hurt for all of you! Prayers going up for your strength,
Understanding and the comfort of God and his Peace to be with each of you!!
Nick was always so friendly to us and wondering how we were doing!! Very caring toward others!!
I don’t have words for the sorrow I feel at losing Nick and his friendship. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I took his union elected office when you began the restaurant adventure. We were in frequent contact, and his mentorship, counsel and steady friendship helped get me through some difficult times.. Please add us to your list of resources. Mike and Heather Worthington
My deepest condolences to the entire Bolander family. May the Lord wrap his arms around each and every one of you, and give you strength. Nick is a legend, and will always be remembered for his contagious laugh, sense of humor, understanding, kindness, outgoing energy, the love he had for his family and friends, and the list literally never ends. Please watch over all of us and fly high my friend. Until we meet again… rest peacefully. 🪽
Nick was kind, positive, and smart. He radiated adoration and love for his family. Doesn’t seem real he is not here anymore and it is deeply heartbreaking. I am so very sorry for your loss, thinking and praying for your family in abundance.
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. Nick was one of the good ones. A good husband, father, and friend. He made everyone feel welcome and was always smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michaela and Alina, Vinny, Theo, and Louis, as well the whole Bolander family.
They say that grief is the price we pay for love. Nick is loved by many and our sorrow runs deep within our heart. I consider myself lucky to call Nick my friend and colleague. Nick’s passion ran deep and he always turned up with a smile. There was never a moment when people shared a room with Nick that they were unaware of his presence. Linda and I share your pain and morn his loss. Please know that we pray for healing and will forever hold his memory close and keep you in our thoughts. God Bless and blue skies my friend.
My sincere condolences to Michaela and the kids. I was lucky enough to work with Nick in the union. He was passionate about his family and taking care of the pilots he represented. It is a great loss to us all. My heart goes out to you.
I first met Nick when he was re-learning me how to fly a Cessna 150 after I’d spent a fair amount of time flying the RJ. Nick’s passion for flying and his zest for life couldn’t help but leave a smile on your face. I remember when he got his first jet job, I’d never seen anyone that excited and he excelled from there on out. We would catch up off and on and mostly just talk family and flying as our careers diverged and paralleled. It was always a pleasant surprise to see a call or text from him.
May God wrap his loving arm’s around be your family and grant you comfort and peace in your grief. Our most sincere condolences at Nick’s passing.
-Tony and Becca Reedy
Had the pleasure of spending a season on the field with Nick. It was a pleasure. We will pray for the family.
My deepest sympathy to Nick’s entire family and wide community of friends. I met Nick while we were in ground school several years ago. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm and professionalism, and truly enjoyed our infrequent but meaningful and uplifting exchanges when our paths crossed at the AOC in Memphis. May God sustain you during this time of great sadness and suffering.
My deepest sympathy to Nick’s entire family and wide community of friends. I met Nick while we were in ground school several years ago. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm and professionalism, and truly enjoyed our infrequent but meaningful and uplifting exchanges when our paths crossed at the AOC in Memphis. May God sustain you during this time of great sadness and suffering.
Nick and I worked very closely for more than two years as volunteers representing the same group of pilots at FedEx. We spoke frequently each week over the issues confronting us and our constituents. With time, the conversations shifted over into discussions of our personal lives. Through our frequent talks, I came to know Nick as a passionate and caring father and husband. He loved his wife and children dearly. He worked very hard so could he could provide the very best for them.
The loss of Nick is difficult for me to comprehend. I considered him a friend. We learned from and respected each other. Most of all, Nick loved his family: his wife and his four beautiful children. You have my thoughts and my prayers that your pain may be in some small way assuaged by the love and respect that so many of us had for your father, your husband and your son.
Prayer and sympathy for Nick’s family. If I had one word to say about Nick it would be gentleman. He was passionate in his beliefs and always ready to defend them, but even when Nick was doing that, he always made you feel he cared about you as a person and was willing to listen to what you had to say. He will be missed.
I was very sad to read Nick’s obituary in the Blair paper. Diane and I extend our deepest sympathy to his entire family. Having retired in 2005, I spoke often with Nick about entering into aviation and followed his progress early in his career. May Nick be remembered for all the good he deeds and positive impact he had on everyone he met.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. He was not only an exceptional pilot but also a kind and inspiring individual who touched the lives of everyone around him. The FedEx community has lost someone truly special, and we will all feel the void left by his absence. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences to the Bolander family. Nick was a unique, bright light; his absence shows us just how bright he was. May you all find peace.
God is giving wings to a special pilot for hat will always be watching over his family. Sweet family with Michaela. God bless all of you.
Nick used to play ping pong in my garage with friends when he was at Blair HS. Those were the only times I interacted with him but I thought he was a nice kid. He made a great life for himself and his family! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing – he was too young!
Mark and Lori, I’m sorry for your loss. Kimm and I send you our heartfelt condolences.
It is with deep sadness I express my condolences to all of Nick’s family. Lori and Mark, my heart goes out to you . This Iis when I got to know Nick as our boys became friends in 5th grade . Michaela, I was able to keep up a little with the beautiful family you and Nick made together when I’ve made connections with Lori over the years and it has always made my heart smile. I am praying for God’s love, peace and strength for all of Nick’s dear gifts of loved ones that God bestowed on him and he cherished so very much. May God’s strength hold you together.
My sincere condolences to the bolander family. Nick was such a kind and sincere human being- a great example to anyone he came in contact with. A true family man. Prayers and thoughts 🙏
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