Rudolph “Rudy” Norman Duane Nikko, 82, passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 10, 2025 in Duluth, MN. Rudy was born to Thomas and Sylvia (Kukko) Nikko on July 25, 1942 in Cromwell, MN. Rudy was a Cromwell High School graduate in 1960 where he was President of his class, and played basketball, baseball, and football. He worked at Western Electric/AT&T where he was the Union Rep for most of his career before retiring. A small business owner, Rudy also ran Nikko Electric for several years, and valued hard work, helping others, and education. Rudy was a Midway Township Town Board Supervisor for many years. He married the love of his life, Karen Karppinen, on December 12, 1959, and they started their life together. Rudy loved giving lawn mower/trailer rides to his grandkids, enjoying a beer with close friends, and soaking up the sunshine/spending time with Karen during winter trips to Lake Havasu, AZ. He was sweet, funny, and although sometimes quiet, he could be opinionated. His smile was infectious. He is preceded in death by his lovely bride, Karen Nikko; parents; siblings, Walter, Evelyn Marsala, Pearl Walters, Kenneth, Doris Nikko, Donald, Marie Nikko, Delores Cahoon, Margorie Marsyla, Ronald; and his twin, Ralph.

He is survived by his brother, Gordon (Reanetta); children Dale (Mary) Nikko, Pam (Scott) Lonne, Rhonda (Kurt) Heideman, Patti (Chuck) Coffren; grandchildren Emily (Jeremy), Luke, Shelby (Anthony), Haley (Ross), Jack (Alli), Southern (Ryan), Carly (Chase), Abby (Dom), Sierra, Mason, Grace (Taylor); and great-grandchildren Karsyn, Kaylee, Evren, Theodore, and another on the way; numerous other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his honorary French family, the Seriers. The family would like to thank the staff at Open Arms Senior Living for their kindness and warmth during the last two years of Rudy’s life; and St. Luke’s Hospice for assisting Rudy during his last two months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to: Cromwell High School Dollars for Scholars, 5624 Hwy 210, Cromwell, MN 55726 or Alzheimer’s Association Duluth, 4960 Miller Trunk Hwy #700, Hermantown, MN 55811.

A visitation will be from 11 am – 1 pm on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. The Memorial Service will begin at 1 pm with a reception to follow. Rudy always loved two phrases, and now we are the ones saying them to him. “Thank you for the honor of your presence.” “It is what it is.”

Memorial Keepers (1)

Margaret V. Speakes