William Monroe Nikko, age 71, died on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at his home in Long Lake, MN after a 6-month battle with leukemia. Bill, son of George and Virginia Nikko, Sr., was born in Princeton, MN on April 5, 1948. He and his 8 siblings began their life journey on the Nikko homestead in Zimmerman, MN. Bill was born with a compassionate heart and started taking care of family while still a teenager. He graduated from Big Lake High School in 1966. He met and fell in love at first sight with Cheryl Goulett in the summer of 1967. Drafted into the army in 1968, he served as a Sergeant in Vietnam and was discharged in January 1970. Home again, Bill would frequent the Suzi Q drive-in where Cheryl worked, drive up in his souped-up ’63 Chevy and order a California burger and two milks. Bill and Cheryl were married on September 26, 1970 and drove their Chevy Chevelle Super Sport to Canada. They crossed the Canadian border not sure where to go, so turned around and spent their honeymoon in International Falls. Bill and Cheryl are the proud parents of three children: Twin girls, Jessi & Jodi and son, Derek “Gator.”
Bill was a master plumber and loved “playing in the dirt.” For years he dug new basements, did the sewer & water, graded the yards & driveways and plumbed the houses. As Gator got older, the business shifted to primarily dirt work. He loved his work - especially with his son by his side. Bill was a jack of all trades and a master of many. He was generous with his time and talents. He was a plumber, builder, excavator, electrician, inspector, landscaper, mechanic, friend, mentor, counselor, giver, and provider. Bill would reuse, repurpose and recycle anything. He was always only a phone call away and would drop everything to help a friend or family member in need. He woke up every day and asked himself, “Who can I help today?” When you’d call him and ask, “Where are you?” he would say, “Where do you want me to be?” It gave him much joy to help others. He did it out of the kindness of his heart with no strings attached.
Family was everything to Bill. He adored his wife, Cheryl. His twin girls meant the world to him and he would do anything for them. He cherished the special relationship he had with his son, best friend and business partner. He couldn’t imagine life without their daily conversations. He always said “If you don’t have family, you don’t have anything.” He looked out for his siblings, his wife, his children, his grandchildren and many friends. Bill would give them, or anyone in need, the shirt off his back. He was a reliable provider for all.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Cheryl; children and grandchildren Jessi (Matt) Lindquist, Benjamin, Nicholas and Zachary; Jodi (Dave) Grack, Elisabeth, Hannah and Sarah; and Derek (Mary) Nikko, Vivian, Oliver and Clara; siblings Ann Berglund, Helen (Jim) Farrington, Sandi (Greg) Nouis, David (Bonnie) Nikko, Mari Nikko, Kathy Nikko and their families. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George Nikko Jr. and sister Linda Zuk.
He was the hands and feet of God here on earth, always leading by quiet example. Anyone who knew him is blessed to have had him in their lives. We know he is in the presence of God and those who have gone before him. We know he was greeted by our Father above ... “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Services will be held at Hope Community Church in Rogers, MN on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Visitation 9:30-11:00 AM, Memorial 11:00 am, followed by lunch. Any attire acceptable, blue jeans welcome. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward in remembrance of Bill.
Click on the Photo icon in the picture of Bill above to see all pictures.
Please share a memory of Bill in the guestbook.