Nicholas Eldon Margritz-Peters

Nicholas Eldon Margritz-Peters stubbornly entered the world on August 4, 1988, two weeks after he was due to be born. His parents, Ned and Kelly Peters of Harlan, Iowa anxiously awaited Nick's arrival. Early in Nick's life he exhibited his kindness, his patience, his bravery and his stubbornness. Even though Nick endured many health setbacks, it never held him back from participating in his favorite activities as long as it didn't include running. He did, however, love to learn art from his grandma Ethel Peters, Avoca, Iowa. His grandpa, Vernus Peters, enjoyed family gatherings, watching his t-ball, baseball, soccer, and his band activities. Nick enjoyed playing the trumpet in the school band, going camping with his family, and spending time with his grandparents, Ralpha and Kenneth Olson, of Harlan, Iowa.

After graduating from Harlan High School, Nick attended Iowa Western to start his training to achieve his dream job of working as a pediatric oncology nurse. Though his health prevented him from completing his degree, it did not keep him down. He proceeded to work as a program coordinator for people with disabilities at Concerned, Inc. in Harlan, Iowa. Nick cared about his staff and was a fierce advocate for his clients. He loved them, and they loved him in return. Later, when he was unfortunately unable to work any longer, he enjoyed volunteering at Midlands Humane Society where he assisted the vet in performing surgery on the dogs and cats.

In 2014, Nick attended a Halloween party which he was not so excited to attend. However, that night he met his future husband, Brian Margritz, from Lexington, Nebraska. Despite sleeping through a scary movie which Brian watched to impress this fine young fella, they never missed a day without talking to each other. They were married on June 4, 2016.

Nick loved to sing. He was a member of the River City Mixed Chorus, where he prided himself on being the only male alto. Nick also loved the outdoors; fishing, hunting, and golf with his dad and his brother, Adam Peters, of Clear Lake, Iowa. Gardening and art were some of his favorite past times; if you were a friend of Nick's, chances are good that perhaps you were given a painting, homemade earrings, or a succulent. Nick and his mom loved to advocate for the LGBTQ community including the NOH8 Campaign and Free Mom Hugs. Nick and his mom also loved going to see Trans Siberian Orchestra every year when they came to Council Bluffs.

Nick fiercely loved his family. He had a quick wit and a wicked sense of humor. Nick, without complaint, fought valiantly to get a liver transplant. Nick passed away from liver complications on August 20, 2026, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. Nick is survived by his husband Brian, parents Ned and Kelly Peters, brother Adam Peters, grandfather Kenneth Olson, Brenda Zimmerman (Aunt B), voluminous precious cousins, friends, and the loves of his life, his rescued fur babies Chico and Harriet, Mu, Charlie, and Patches.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The family will direct memorials.