John R. Nikle , 79, Grand Forks, ND passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Park River, ND.

John Raymond Nikle was born on April 21, 1941 in Grand Forks, ND the son of Andrew and Theresa (Burkhard) Nikle. He was raised in Grand Forks and graduated from St. James Catholic High School.    John was inducted into the United States Army on March 10, 1966 at Grand Forks. During the Vietnam War, he served as a Bridge Specialist with the 509 ^th Engr. Co (PB) APO 96318.  He received many medals, NDSM, VCM, VSM 2 O/S Bars and MKM, M-14.  He was honorable discharged from active military service on March 2, 1968 at Fort Lewis Washington with the rank of Spec. 4.  He returned to Grand Forks and was employed with C & R Laundry until his retirement. His favorite hobby was photography.

He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Mesa of North Dakota; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great-nephews and a godchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Gladys (John) Belgarde, Theresa, Josephine, Mary, (Harry) Romberg, Elenor (Herman) Schenke; his brothers, Peter (Lucille) Nikle, Jerome (Sharon) Nikle, Michael (Jeanette) Nikle, Henry, Bernhart and an infant brother, John Henry Nikle.

Memorial Mass: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required. Services will be streamed live from St. Michael's Church. https://www.stmichaelschurchgf.com/live-stream
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Saturday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard.