Judith A. Nikunen

Judith Ann Nikunen, 74, of rural Gilbert died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 at the Virginia Convalescent Center. She was surrounded by family members as she went to rest in peace with our Lord in Heaven. Judy was born August 1, 1938 in Biwabik to Joe and Gertrude Marafiot. She grew up in Biwabik and she was united in marriage on Nov. 19, 1955 to Richard Nikunen. She was a loving, kind wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved music, reading,singing, and "visiting" with friends but her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She had a beautiful, warm, giving, nurturing spirit that will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. She is survived by her husband Richard; her children: Rick (Shari Olson) Nikunen, Randy (Rhonda) Nikunen, Bob (Amy Dukes) Nikunen, Lynn (Dean Strukel) Nikunen, Lisa (Steve) Adams; 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, brother Danny (Linda) Marafiot, sister, Gail (Jon) Ohman, brother Patrick Harrington, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Gertrude Marafiot and step-father Bernard Harrington. Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Palo with Pastor Brendan Johnston officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik.