Gordon "Gordy" Lee Nykanen

Eben Junction

Gordon “Gordy” Lee Nykanen, age 65, of Eben Junction, passed April 30, 2019 in his home surrounded by his loving family and North Woods Home Hospice.

Gordy was born to Edwin and Irene (Hinstala) Nykanen March 15, 1954, in Marquette, MI.  Gordy grew up on Magnum Road in Harvey, MI.  He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1972 and enlisted in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer from 1972 to 1975.  Gordy later received a Welding and Fabricating Degree from Northern Michigan University. He worked as a Welder at UP Fabricating in Rock, MI for many years until his retirement in July 2017.

He married Linda Clark in 1986, and together they raised four children. Trina (Dan) Stephenson of Forest Lake, MN, Erin Stephenson of Forest Lake, MN, Dave Nykanen (Katie Tinney) of Princeton, MI, and Nicole (Victor) Aho of Eben Junction, MI. He also leaves in his legacy several grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of whom he loved and enjoyed deeply.

Gordy loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors.  His favorite thing was to spend his time with his children and family.  Gordy enjoyed being on the boat, BBQ’s, gardening, and was always tinkering with something.  He was often a man of few words, but always a kind word for everyone.  He was an avid cribbage and cards player, many trips around the cribbage board have been won by Gordy.

Gordy is also survived by his siblings Bonnie (Peter) Koski of Humboldt, MI, Merry (Kerry) Lucarelli of Coon Rapids, MN, Bob (Holly) Nykanen of Boca Raton, FL; sister-in-law Karen Clark, and two brother-in laws, Roger Ogea and John Clark as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Irene Nykanen and his brothers Roger Nykanen and Dave Nykanen.

The family would like to thank North Woods Home Health and Hospice, especially Julie as well as all others who offered support during his illness.  Bowerman Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Per the wishes of Gordy, no services will be held, but the family appreciates you leaving a memory or thought on his online guestbook.