Nicholas Thomas LaQua

Nicholas Thomas LaQua, 23, of Bismarck, ND, left his earthly body on April 15, 2017 due to the accidental misfire of a handgun. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 12:00 Noon at Church of St. Mary in Bismarck with Msgr. Gene Lindemann officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday one hour prior to the service at the church. Nicholas was born on December 11, 1993, to Frank and Darlene LaQua at St. Alexius Medical Center. He had three names, his first name was his own, Thomas is his mother’s maiden name, and LaQua was his father’s family name. Nick was raised and educated in Bismarck at Northridge Elementary, Horizon Middle School, and graduated from Century High School in 2012. From the day he was born Nick was doted on by his two big sisters, and several adoring aunts and uncles. Being the youngest born certainly had its perks for Nick. He was a busy boy from the moment he could crawl. He spent many of his days as a toddler on the banks of the Heart River with his Dad gardening and enjoying the outdoors. Nick also spent many days fishing near Hankinson, ND, with the LaQua men. As a kid, he loved being in Belcourt at Grandma Sylvia’s, Auntie Betty’s, and Auntie Jan’s houses, as well as enjoying many visits from Auntie Sugar who always came bearing gifts. There weren’t enough sports around to keep Nick too busy. He was an avid snowboarder, skateboarder, long boarder, and skier at an early age. He took any opportunity possible to travel if he thought he might be able to spend some time on his snowboard, including trips to Lake Tahoe and Big Sky. Outdoor sports were a passion that he shared with his Dad. They spent many days at Huff Hills and Bottineau Winter Park together, and Nick always looked forward to those big North Dakota snowfalls. Nick participated in team sports as well, playing hockey and excelling at baseball. He was truly a gifted athlete. More recently, Nick was a very proud uncle to three nephews and one niece. Will, Ben, Thomas and Lily were so special to Uncle Nick. He would tell anyone who would listen that his nephews and niece were the cutest around. Nick was a gifted salesman working his way up at a local home improvement company. As they say, Nick could sell ice to an Eskimo. Nick had a heart of gold and would have done anything for the people he loved. There aren’t words to explain the depth to which Nick will be missed by his family. His life was cut far too short and our hearts will never be the same. Nick is survived by his loving parents, Frank and Darlene LaQua, Bismarck; two sisters, Leah (Nate) Hjelseth, Waconia MN, and Jessica (Mike) Gilbertson, Bismarck; three nephews, Will and Thomas Hjelseth, Waconia MN, and Ben Gilbertson, Bismarck; one niece, Lily Gilbertson, Bismarck; a very special dog, Rosy, who got him through some very difficult times; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were all near and dear to his heart. Nicholas was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Hugo; his paternal grandparents, Vincent, Ethel, Betty, and Beth LaQua; his maternal grandparents, Sylvia Thomas and Edward Thomas; one aunt, Linda Trottier; and one uncle, Vincent LaQua Jr. Memorial donations can be made to Bismarck Youth Baseball or the Bismarck Hockey Boosters.