Michael Joseph Nicodemus

Michael Joseph Nicodemus, age 31, lived a life so large that God called him back to be with Him on Saturday, April 14, 2018. He was born on October 7, 1986, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Joseph and Sue (Leeser) Nicodemus. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Joan Leeser; paternal grandparents, John and Helen Nicodemus. Michael grew up in Springdale, Arkansas, where he roamed the neighborhood streets with his sister Jennifer and friends. He was an intellectual starting at an early age. He loved school and was always a straight A student paving the way to becoming a future lawyer. Michael marched to the beat of his own drum. He was a truly unique individual that did not let society form the brilliant person he became. Michael attended the University of Arkansas, where he met the love of his life, Lauren, their freshman year. Michael first charmed her over with his winning smile, and kept her hooked with his daily shenanigans and pranks; every day with him was a surprise for her. They married on September 19th, 2009, and their life as one began together. They went on to finish their degrees with Michael receiving his Juris Doctorate in law, earning himself the nickname ‘Counselor'. He was a faithful member of the Old Wire Road Church of Christ in Fayetteville, where he taught and served, setting an example for all others to imitate. He could be found after church talking ‘smack' on the tennis courts, or pestering his wife to make him some of her delicious cooking. Michael was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and most of all, he was Lauren's best friend and soulmate. He is survived by his loving wife, Lauren (Roberts) Nicodemus of the home; his parents; Joe and Sue Nicodemus of Springdale; his sister, Jennifer Pianalto and husband Drew of Fayetteville; his father and mother-in-law, Steve and Anita Roberts of Fayetteville; his three sisters-in-law, Adrienne Dickson and husband Wes of Elkins, Brittney Roberts of Dallas, Texas, and Devon Roberts of Fayetteville; his two nieces, Ava and Esme Dickson; and numerous other family members and friends. He also leaves behind co-conspirators in mischief Dan Sandor, Tristan Harville, and Raymond Dick, as well as many others. A visitation will be held from 5–7 p.p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Old Wire Road Church of Christ at 2480 N Old Wire Rd., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Interment will follow immediately at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com.