Erik Walter Nykkanen

Erik W. Nykkanen, 69, of Waukon, IA, died Friday, September 2, 2016, at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI. Memorial services and military honors will be held Friday, September 9th, at 3:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Steve Oden officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Erik Walter Nykkanen was born December 1, 1946, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Bernard Arthur and Margorie Winifred (Mann) Nykanen. He was baptized and confirmed at Assembly of God Church in Troy, MI, graduated from Seaholm High School, and served in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. In 1981, Erik married Loma in California. He worked in heating and cooling for many years and was a disabled American veteran. Erik and Loma moved to the Waukon area in 1996.

Erik was a member of Military of Purple Hearts, Waukon Lions Club, American Legion Post 722 of Harpers Ferry, IA, and volunteered and served on the board for the Allamakee County food shelf. He also volunteered for several local business and organizations. Erik enjoyed traveling, gardening, photography, and helping veterans and their families.

Survivors include his children: Annette "Anne" Nykanen of Walled Lake, MI, Erica Hanson of Waverly, IA, and Robert "Bobby" Nykanen of Hamilton, AL; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two step-daughters: Yvette and Michelle Babari, both of California; his siblings: Leila (Paul) Myers of Yucipa, CA, David (Diane) Nykanen of Oak Park, MI, Bernie (Sidney) Nykanen of Williamton, NC, and Linda (Michael) Pittman of Dale, TX; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Loma who died in 2008; and a brother Bobby Nykanen.

Honorary casketbearers are Robert, Bernie, David, and Donny Nykanen, Kevin Belle, and Adam Quadarer.