Nicholas Larry Sebasta

Nicholas Larry Sebasta (Nick), 45, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on September 25, 2024, due to complications caused by a rare metastatic lung cancer in a non-smoker (NSCLC, ROS1). Nick fought like a champ and continued living life to the fullest despite his diagnosis.

Nick was born on March 26, 1979 to Larry and JoAnn Sebasta at Holland Community Hospital in Holland, Michigan.

Nick had an abundance of curiosity in mechanics from an early age: His passion to inspect, repair and improve things came from humble beginnings when at the tender age of three he threw his tricycle down the basement stairway (overhead no less), because the kitchen floor was making his front wheel slip and he wasn’t having it. Of course he also learned things break, but if it had wheels he was always going to be interested. Whether altering the wheels on his micro machines toys to race them against each other, souping up his bicycle, or speeding up his moped, he was always an ace at mechanical problem solving. He loved taking apart every small engine possible to clean it out and reassemble it for fun, and sometimes eke out an extra couple miles per hour. As he grew he graduated to working on many engines with his dad and rebuilding cars/trucks for entertainment – something he would never outgrow. In his spare time, being a relative of Henry Ford himself, Nick adored all things automotive but especially loved anything and everything Ford Mustang. He was a proud owner of many Mustangs through the years, and would love to bring them to car shows and gatherings with his friends. Over the years he attended and participated in many car events, shows, and races. His love of horsepower was a driving force behind many modifications. Which can easily be seen in every vehicle he touched, Nick loved to make his cars unique.

Nick loved animals from a young age, and cared for his very own first pet, Snuggles, a Dutch Dwarf rabbit, for over 12 years. The vet informed the family that made Snuggles the Methuselah of bunnies. He also had a huge lifelong love of birds, both Cockatiels and wild birds, and would do anything for his cherished bird Smoky. It wouldn’t be unusual for him to bring in a stray baby snake or injured bird. Once as a child he brought in a baby snake (unbeknownst to everyone) until it escaped its enclosure, and Nick’s dad encountered it in the hall and just about jumped out of his skin.

Living in beautiful West Michigan with its abundance of dunes and trails, Nick adored walks and hikes in nature’s splendor. Nick’s family will also always cherish the time spent together in Michigan’s upper peninsula and Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains.

While in high school Nick worked at Sears in the tire and automotive shop. Nick graduated from Holland High School in 1997, and continued pursuing what he loved; working in mechanical/maintenance positions at Maplewood Auto and Cardinal Busses, eventually moving on to ship building at Tiara Yachts, and lastly accepting a position with Crown Motors.

In 1995, Nick met Lena Hall at Sears, while he was changing her tire. They hit it off right away. Nick and Lena went on to have a storybook courtship and then marriage full of love, laughter and togetherness for over twenty-three years. Together, Nick and Lena raised three smart, beautiful and kind children; Jay Nicholas, Kirk David, and Lilly Ann.

Nick loved being a Dad and was always gushing about how lucky he felt to have them, and how much he loved them.

He was so proud of Jay’s ability to lead and encourage others, whether it be starting a Bible club at school or his car detailing business, he encouraged Jay to pursue his passions. Nick knew his passing would be difficult, but he also knew Jay would lean on his faith and be a great source of comfort for his mom and siblings. Jay’s natural ability to comfort has been a godsend for his family.

Nick was in awe of Kirk's musical ability. Once Kirk fell asleep with his guitar and Nick laughed at Kirk's devotion to his instrument. Whether Nick and Kirk were attending heavy metal concerts or just talking on the couch, the bond they had and have is unbreakable. Nick often mentioned how Kirk’s work ethic and ability to reach a goal inspired him.

Nick was so proud of Lilly and admitted to everyone that he spoiled his girl. He also made it clear that she is not allowed to date until her mid 80’s. He encouraged her passion for painting and proudly hung her artwork throughout the house. Nick and Lilly loved being silly together, they were always up to something. Nick left Lilly with a plethora of sweet memories.

Even when ill, Nick showed perseverance, resilience, and didn’t complain. He was always able to find the silver lining to keep pushing forward in any situation. Nick’s diagnosis gave him discernment as to what was truly important, valuing his relationships with God, family and friends above all. The initially predicted nine weeks turned into two and a half years of memories, of which his family is ever so grateful.

Nick was reunited in heaven with his Father Larry Jay Sebasta, his Sister Shelly Ann Sebasta Cuellar, his mother-in-law, Julie Hall, and many more extended family members.

Nick lives on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him, but will especially be missed by his wife, of 23 years, Lena Sebasta, his Children Jay, Kirk and Lilly Sebasta, His mother, and stepfather, JoAnn and David Burns, Sister and brother-in-law- Robin and Rob Sebasta-Ireland, His Father-in-law and Stepmother- in-law, David and Kathy Hall, Sister in law and brother in law, Laura and Jeremy Czerkies, Brother in law, Jared Hall. Nick will also be remembered with love by his nieces; Corinne Achterhof and husband Alex Achterhof, Makenna Ferner, and Tamara Martinez, Nephews; Mickey Achterhof, Logan Ferner, Shawn Hall, Joel Ralph, Ryan Eisele, Joey Cuellar and Zachary Cuellar.

Celebration of life services will be held at First assembly of God on October 7, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Nick, everyone you love in this world hates that you are gone, but we are happy that you are home free and without pain. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again. Thank you for showing courage in the face of adversity and for never giving up.

As Nick prioritized finding joy in life and immersing himself in nature, the family asks that you do the same – go out and do something that brings you real joy, and take in the beauty mother nature has to offer. Life is for living, so soak up that sun and take time to be still.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to a family that faced recent devastation with the loss of their mother and 2 children in an auto accident, the Roots. The surviving father is an EMT and is caring for their surviving daughter in critical condition.

Link to Venmo, set up by Lake Odessa Fire Department C/O Shannon P.– 100% of proceeds go to the family. Code is 1402 https://venmo.com/u/firedepartmentrootfamily?fbclid=IwY2xjawFsafVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSHnbduXotFvce2aM4nvV0XWy2rW-kLQlaiOhDAm6RcRNK00-XBCssn51w_aem_aTg-oV0zAAKxDUuzgXZUDg