Bart Nikkari

Munising

Bart Nikkari, age 47, of Munising, died Monday, February 12, 2018 at his home under the loving care of his family and North Woods Home Hospice.  He was born in Wakefield, Michigan in May of 1970 to Matt and Mary Lou (Benzing) Nikkari.  Bart graduated from Munising High School in 1988. While in school, he was active in Scouting, wrestling, football, and playing the cornet in the band.  Bart completed an Associate’s Degree in CAD (computer aided designs) from Bay College in 1990 and then continued to further his education while taking classes at LSSU and NMU.  During his summers, Bart worked as a kayak guide for Northern Waters and did handyman work for families on Grand Island.  During the winters, he did grooming of ski trails at Valley Spur.  Bart worked for seventeen years for Halls Contracting until his health no longer allowed him to.  He was proud of the many different projects he helped build over the years.   Bart was meticulous and precise with his work and he was honest, dependable and a hard worker in everything he did.  He was a skilled craftsman and talented artist.  Bart loved the outdoors, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking.  He could find something to do to enjoy all four seasons.  He did everything he could to leave nature better than what it was when he found it.  From the time he was little, Bart always had a love for his dogs, Niks, Luna, Trixie, and Lulu were his companions for his many outdoor adventures.  Bart was a proud and true Green Bay Packer fan.  Throughout the many chapters of his life, Bart embodied the Finnish term SISU – stoic determination, resilience, courage, and perseverance.

Bart is survived by his mother – Mary Lou Nikkari of Munising; siblings – Brian Nikkari of Tucson, AZ, Karen (Erick) Kestila of Escanaba, Bruce (Heather) Nikkari of Pace, FL, and Brett Nikkari of Munising; nieces and nephews – Brandon, Brad Lee, Josh, Sara, Kerah, Kay (Kalen), Mariah, Brock, and Haiden; uncles – Peter (Melody Duwe) Benzing and Dale Miller; and numerous cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father – Matt Nikkari, grandparents – Rose and Clifford Benzing and Edla and Mathias Nikkari; nephew – Case Nikkari, and several loving aunts and uncles.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery, following the graveside service there will be a time for fellowship and sharing at the Munising Township Hall in Wetmore.