David Lee Nykanen

David Lee Nykanen, 55, lifelong resident of Superior, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, with his loving family by his side at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born in Superior, September 23, 1968, the son of Thomas and Mary (Gilmore) Nykanen.

David graduated from Superior Senior High School. He worked in various positions with the Superior Vocational Center and was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church.

David was a kind and gentle soul who gave his heart to anybody and never knew a stranger. He could often be found with coffee in hand chatting up his friends and neighbors and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and anything, one of his most endearing qualities. David took immense pride in helping others and in a job well done. He was meticulous in his duties and could mow a lawn or shovel a walk like no other. A skill he put to great use every year, helping prepare the garden with his mother, and selflessly donating his time helping those that found themselves in need of snow removal and lawn care.

He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and, as his family lovingly remembers, you could always tell by his outfit how the game was going.

David loved sports and especially enjoyed attending the UMD Women’s Hockey games at Amsoil Arena with his twin brother, Daniel, where he lived it up in box seating drinking coffee and enjoying both the game and his chicken strips and fries. He could also be found enjoying himself while visiting with friends in the stands at the Superior Speedway during racing season, keeping up on current events, and listening to community happenings on his scanner. Nothing got past David!

He always appreciated a good cup of coffee and enjoyed his daily stroll to Kwik Trip for some Hazelnut, rain, or shine, or to Caribou with his niece. He loved bowling, doing puzzles, and making latch hook rugs. He also participated in various activities with Special Olympics of Wisconsin for many years and enjoyed watching classic television shows such as the Duke’s of Hazard and the Six Million Dollar Man. Above all, David was a loving son, brother, and uncle who adored his family dearly. He relished in anticipation of his annual trips to visit his brother, John in Alaska every year, and always enjoyed family togetherness and working side by side with his father.

David’s presence will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him!

He is survived by his parents, Tom and Mary Nykanen, Superior, WI; ­­siblings, Jean Ann (Paul) Krivinchuk, Superior, WI, Cynthia Behning, Duluth, MN, Marsha (Russ) Checchin, South Range, WI, John Nykanen, Palmer, AK, Michael (Angela) Nykanen, Rosemount, MN, Tammy (Brian) Dittbrender, Superior, WI, his twin brother, Daniel Nykanen, Superior, WI, and Jamie (Ronald) Stenberg, of Wisconsin. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, greats and great-great nieces and nephews, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.

He is preceded in death by his special friend, Paula Christman who was very dear to him; brother-in-law, Al Behning; paternal grandparents, Ethel, and John Nykanen; maternal grandparents, Mittie and George Gilmore; uncle, Bob Gilmore, and his beloved K9 companion, “Miss Piggy”.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2022 E. 2nd Street in Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service with Pastor Sarah Gunderson officiating.

For those who are unable to attend, David's service will be live streamed via the Zion Lutheran Church YouTube channel and can be viewed by following this direct link: https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurchinsuperi8472/streams

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.