OBITUARY: Jean E. (Eikenberry) Nikolas, 1925-2003, Mitchell Co., Iowa

[Mitchell County Press-News online -- Posted Sept. 3, 2003]



                           Jean E. Nikolas

Jean E. Eikenberry was born to Chester and Josie (Miller) Eikenberry on
December 5, 1925 at Marble Rock, IA. She attended grade school in a
one-room country school, later graduating from Greene High School in
1943. In 1963 she fulfilled her dream to become a nurse, after attending
and completing the requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse at
Mason City Junior College's School of Practical Nurse Education. Jean
was fourth from the top of the group of four hundred when she took her
exam for State Licensing in Des Moines.

She worked at the Mitchell County Memorial Hospital for 24 years. Prior
to that she worked as a nurse's aide, police radio dispatcher and a waitress.

Jean was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Baptist Church in Greene. She
later became a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage where she
was a member of the women's WELCA. Jean was also a member of the American 
Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. She was always one of the first to
arrive at friends and relatives homes to help in their time of need. Over
the years she helped with the Red Cross Blood Mobile and American Cancer
Society. Jean spent countless hours crocheting afghans for her
grandchildren. Jean was always one to be found reading a good book
at a speed that was unreal. She utilized her library card well. She
also enjoyed baking and her chocolate pies were enjoyed by many.

Jean was united in marriage to Eugene B. Nikolas on December 12, 1949, in
Coeur d'Alene, ID. She was the proud mother to six children: LaWanna,
Eddie, Rhonda, Robin, Leonard and Chester. "Granny" will be missed by her
17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Chester and Josie Eikenberry;
her daughter, Robin; a sister, Claudia Boyd and brothers Raymond Eikenberry,
Byron Eikenberry and Myron Eikenberry.

Her survivors include her husband Eugene of Osage and children LaWanna
and Jim McSweeney of Menomonie, WI; Eddie and Sheryl Nikolas of Virginia
Beach, VA; Rhonda Kramer of Pipestone, MN; Leonard and Louella Stephens
of Los Alamitos, CA and Chester and Carolyn Stephens of San Antonio, TX.
Also surviving her is a twin brother Dean Eikenberry of Charles City.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, phone 1-641-732-3706, was in charge
of arrangements.


Copyright 2003, K.L. Kittleson

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