John Wayne Nickila

John graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1949. On October 27, 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Claudia Toprock in Duluth. John worked and retired from The US Steel Plant.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Jr.; sister, Lois Hammer; and great-granddaughter, Emma Jean.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 64 years, Claudia of Duluth; children, John Jr. (Mary Jo) of Chisholm, Alan (Darlene) of Nashwauk, Bruce of Duluth, Lynn (Elliot) Zunich of Duluth, Scott (Diane) of Superior, Julie (Jim) Lowe of Proctor, Todd of Duluth, Lisa (Greg) Menor of Duluth, and Wendi (Dave) Huberty of Duluth; many treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Marion (Ron) Rico, Arnold Nickila, and Betty (Doug) Galinski ; brother in law, William (Claudia) Toprock; sister in law, Sherry (Stephen Knipe) Toprock; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Goueli , St. Luke’s Oncology and ICU Staff.

Visitation: 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service Saturday, April 23, 2016 at United Protestant Church of Morgan Park, 830 88th Ave. West, Duluth. Interment will be in Oneota Cemetery. Please leave a memory of John or words of support for his family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com .