Stefan J. Nikolai, 38 of Flagstaff, died Monday, January 21st, 2008.

Stefan was born August 29, 1969 in Chicago, Illinois to Ursula and Julius Nikolai. He grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois on Lake Briarwood.

He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1992 with bachelor's of science in Economics and Political Science. While he attended college, he spent a semester in Salzburg, Austria where he discovered his passion for photography.

He married his high school sweetheart, Sue, in August 1998. Soon after, they relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona to enjoy Stefan's other passion - the outdoors. They started their family with the birth of their daughter Emma Rayne in May 2001; followed three years later by the birth of their son Otto River in September 2004. Stefan was happiest when he was outdoors, by the water, with his family and friends.

Stefan is survived by his children, Emma - 6, and Otto - 3; his wife Sue; his brothers Eric (Kathy) of Arlington Heights, IL; and Thomas of St. Louis, MO; his mother Ursula of Huntley, IL; his father Julius of Arlington Heights, IL; and many wonderful friends and relatives.

An 'open house' will be held at Stefan and Sue's home Friday from 1pm - 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nikolai Family Fund at the Wells Fargo Branch on Milton in Flagstaff.