Alvin Nikula, age 66, of Bristol, passed away Saturday, May 23rd, 2009, at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha. He was born in Thomaston, MI, on August 19, 1942 the son of Arnie and Anna (Mattson) Nikula. After the death of his father, Al was raised by his stepfather, Pete Randall. Al served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea. On June 10, 1964, he married Janice Warren in Antigo, WI. They soon moved to Sturtevant and later to their current home in Bristol, WI. Al was employed at Case New Holland Mfg. for over 30 years retiring in 1999. Following his retirement, he worked for Gander Mountain in Kenosha in the Gun Smith Shop. He was an avid outdoorsman spending many hours in the field with his son, Curt. He especially loved spending time with his "little man" Colby. Together they would share hours doing what grandpas and grandsons do best. He was a member of the N.R.A., National Wild Turkey Federation, Whitetails Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited. Surviving Alvin are his wife of 45 years, Janice; his son, Curt (Heather) of Salem, WI; a grandson, Colby; mother-in-law, Margaret Warren of Hurley, WI; two brothers, Arnold "Bucky" (Sandi) of Paradise Valley, AZ, and Melvin (Betty) of Naples, FL; two sisters, Mary Ann (Marco) Movrich of Wakefield, MI, and Carol Randall of Libertyville, IL; and his special friend and companion, Maxx. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Arnie Nikula; his mother and step-father, Anna and Pete Randall; a brother, Clifford Randall; and a brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Phyllis Nikula. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29th, at the Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will continue on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be held at Bristol Paris Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name to multiple charities.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Alvin's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Anonymous
With heartfelt sympathy.
leonard r. osborne
June 6, 2009
i havent seen alvin since we graduated from wakefield high school but considerated him a freind a fellow classmate ozzie.
Sharon Hassler
May 27, 2009
I just wanted to write to express my deep sorrow and to extend my sympathies to the family on the untimely death of a remarkable husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle and friend, Alvin Nikula. Al valued his friends, but he was passionate about his family. There was a strong bond that Al had with his son. They were like best friends and Curt always respected and took to heart his father’s council. They liked hanging around with each other, doing stuff together, and had what most sons only wish they had with their fathers. Al has given Curt an excellent example of how to be a good father. Jan once told me that from the day Curt was born Al was totally taken with him. I think he also had that same reaction when his grandson was born. He couldn’t help himself and others recognized and desired what he so genuinely displayed. Colby was Grandpa’s, “Little Man.” No one else existed for Colby when Grandpa was around. On field trips with his Grandson’s pre-school, all the other kids wanted to sit with Colby’s Grandpa. He had a way about him--you just wanted to be close. I truly feel that Al became the father to Heather that she had always wanted. She valued her relationship with him. His love was unconditional and openly displayed. He couldn’t help himself—that’s who he was.Al has left a kind, warm, and loving legacy for his family and friends. I’ll miss seeing him on my next trip to Wisconsin.
Orville & Sharon Hassinger
May 26, 2009
Jan:Please know that Sharon & I share your grief. Al was a good friendand a joy to work with. I have mamy fond memories of Al, he wil besaddly missed. Orille & Sharon Hassinger
Jerry Voris & Family
May 26, 2009
Our condolences to the Nikula family. Al was a good man and a great neighbor to have on Lake of Dreams.
Buck & Patty Hillestad
May 26, 2009
Jan,Please accept our heartfelt and sincere condolences. To use Al's words...I was proud and honored to call him my friend. We worked together, fished together, even drank beer and giggled like school girls together. A kinder sole, or more forthright and dedicated spirit will not be found. While he taught me more over the years than can be told, his clear priority was always his family. We'll all miss him terribly, but also have been blessed with the opportunity to know and spend time with such a wonderful man who clearly enriched all the lives he touched. What a guy!God BlessBuck & Patty Hillestad