ve for the outdoors and water led him to his own family cottage northern Wisconsin a place he often called the "Happiest Place on Earth." He was an avid fisherman, always looking to catch a bigger musky than the year before. Nick is survived by his wife Vicki and their two children, Austin Mader and Kelsey (Eric), and his "best buddy" grandson Jamison. He is survived by his brother Richard, sister, Julie Keating (Terry), brother, Steve, sister-in law Mary, close family friends John Sorges and Cindy Raun, as well as many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Cochems, his first wife, Sally and sister-in-law Julie. A Celebration of Life will be held at Dahmen's at Hawks Landing, 88 Hawks Landing Circle, Verona, WI on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 1 to 3 pm for family and friends to share memories and pay tribute to Nick. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Nick can donate to the Melanoma Research Foundation to help fund research. A life well lived and taken too soon, Nick will never be forgotten as he will be missed and is loved by so many. "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Winnie the Pooh Please share your memories of Nick. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road Madison (608) 238-3434