Obituary: Nabil Reyes-Diaz

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

Nabil Reyes-Diez, 43, a resident of Calumet, passed away on Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at his home. 

Nabil was born on February 25th, 1982 in Yauco Puerto Rico, he was immediately adopted by Dr. Ceazar Reyes-Zamora and Migdalia Reyes-Battencourt of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Nabil’s parents were immersed in the Baháʼí Faith, and he had a happy childhood, as there were always plenty of friends around and activities through the faith. Nabil was an especially rebellious teen, he embraced the Puerto Rico Hardcore music scene, tattoos, skateboarding, and anything else his parents didn’t like.

In 2003, Nabil moved to Lansing, Michigan to attend the Louhelen Baháʼí School. Through friends there, Nabil ended up moving to Superior, Wisconsin. Since 2008, Nabil made his home in Calumet, MI. He enjoyed life in the Copper Country, other than the cold, and always remarked how similar it was to Puerto Rico, with beaches around every corner and the laid-back lifestyle.

Nabil worked when he was physically able to, at The Main Club in Superior, Wisconsin and locally at Copper Country Mental Health, Universal Metal Works, and The Calumet Elks Lodge. In his early years he enjoyed listening to opera music with his mother and playing violin and cello at concerts. He also enjoyed gardening, hardcore music, and taking care of his home.

Nabil had a truly unbreakable spirit. He never complained and never showed any fear, despite dealing with end stage renal disease, a lifetime of operations, and a host of other very serious medical conditions since the age of 13. He was truly the bravest person I know.

Nabil will be missed more than words can say by his friends and his family. He is survived by his partner of 16 years Craig Nuottila of Calumet, Michigan, his mother Migdalia Diez-Battencourt of San Germán, Puerto Rico, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his adopted family here in the Copper Country which includes Judi Nuottila, Larry Curtin, Mary Turner, Bob and Rita Swab, Mark Kangas, Megan and Nicholas Shaw-Kwiek and their children Gus, Thora, and Josephine, and Tim and Wanita Shaw of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Special thanks to Dave Sladek and family, the folks at the Portage Nephrology Department, the police and ambulance people that assisted that day, and Carol from Copper Country Mental Health for their help during some especially trying times.

Friends may call at the Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm for the funeral service. Pastor Jared Howard will officiate. 

The Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.