Raymond W. Nikula

Raymond W. Nikula, 66, lifelong Superior resident, currently of East Second St., died Tuesday, September 28, 2010 in St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, MN, following a long, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on May 1, 1944 in Superior to William and Lucille (Klein) Nikula.

He graduated from the former East High School in 1962.

Ray served his country in the United States Naval Reserve having served on the U.S.S. Little Rock.

He was previously employed as a draftsman before becoming a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service for over twenty-eight years. He was also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for over thirty years.

Ray married his wife Kathryn (Nykanen Wilson) on June 5, 1993 in the Christ Lutheran Church, Superior and celebrated seventeen years of marriage.

He was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church. He was a twenty-four year member of Alcoholics Anonymous and the “Vocalizers” Laryngectomy Support Group.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to deer hunt. Ray enjoyed bowling and making lawn ornaments for family and friends. He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Kathie, Ray is survived by two sons, Anthony Nikula, Maple Grove, MN, Randell (Karin) Nikula, Maplewood, MN; two stepdaughters, Sharon (Daoud) Ahmad, Duluth, MN, Jennifer Wilson, Tucson, AZ; three stepsons, Allan Wilson, Superior, Paul (Geralyn) Wilson, Brooklyn Park, MN, Michael (Angela) Wilson, Ramsey, MN; six grandchildren, Khalil Ahmad, Joseph Wilson, Joel Nikula, Alex Diez de Pinos, Holly Nikula and Lily Wilson; one sister Linda Tuinei, Superior; one aunt, Gertrude Lahti, Forest Grove, OR; one niece, Repeka Tuinei and one nephew Tofa Tuinei.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 2, 2010 in the
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th Street, Superior, Wisconsin.

Visitation will continue on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 1:00 PM in the Christ Lutheran Church, 320 No. 28th St. E., Superior and will continue until the 2:00 PM Funeral Service, with Pastor David Schoessow will officiate.

Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in the Town of Lakeside, WI with military honors being accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard.

Pallbearers for the service will be John Heifner, Anthony Jaros, Dennis Edwards, Pat Currie, Lyn Granberg and Michael Schiesser.

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Donald Krenz Jr., Jerry Nykanen, Tom Nykanen, Rolland Plunkett, Bill Stuart, Tofa Tuinei and Allan, Paul, Michael and Dale Wilson.

The family would like to thank Dan Green, RN of St. Mary’s Hospice for the compassionate care given to Ray during his illness.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.