Michael Joseph NIKULA

1948 - 2021

NIKULA, Michael Joseph (Age 72) Michael Joseph Nikula, 72, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away on February 28th, 2021 due to complica-tions from prostate cancer. Mike was born on March 13, 1948 to John and Frances Nikula in Bremerton, Washington. He grew up in Seattle and later Spokane, graduating from Ferris High School in 1966. Mike was drafted into the Army at the age of 20 and served in Vietnam in 1969 - 1970. He was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. Mike was a natural athlete, but his lifelong passion was music. He was a highly talented keyboardist who lit up the room and hearts of many over the course of his life. Mike was a member of several bands throughout the Northwest, and was even named "Keyboardist Of The Year" by the Inland Empire Blues Society. Music and family were Mike's greatest joys. He was happiest when playing golf with his wife Kelly, watching the Zags, and jamming with his dad, brother Rex, and close family friends. One of his favorite things to do was enjoy a summer day on the porch, work on a crossword puzzle, and sip on a cold beer. Family get-togethers sure won't be the same, but you can be sure the music will live on! Mike is survived by the love of his life - Kelly Nikula and their six children: Anika Pauling, Michele Nikula (Mike Wood), John Nikula (Rachel), Natalie (Jeff Zier), Leah (Ryan Heidenreich), and Chrissy Wolf. He has six loving grandchildren whom he was so proud of: Brandon, Brooklynn, John, Dominic, India, and Marion. He is also survived by his brother Rex Nikula (Phyllis), and sister Robyn (Sam Anderson), and their kids who thought he was a pretty awesome uncle. Funeral service for Michael will be Thursday, March 11 at 10:00 am at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d'Alene at 744 N. 4th Street. Interment will be at Washington State Veteran's Cemetery Medical Lake. Arrangements are provided by YATES FUNERAL HOME. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Please reference this site for how to join the service remotely: https://posthope.org/mike-nikula/photos