Howard James Nikkila

Howard James Nikkila (also known as Howy Kirsten) of Chardon, died November 4th, 2011 while vacationing in Arizona. Howard was born on September 24th, 1953 and was the only son of Aatos and Hilda (Larson) Nikkila. Hilda still lives in the same home where Howard grew up. Always a performer, Howard was active in band, choir and drama at Chardon High School. He graduated in 1971. Howard went to Bowling Green State University for three years, then transferred to Western Washington State College in Bellingham, WA. After his graduation with a degree in geography in 1976, Howard worked in WA as a surveyor technician for the USDA Forestry Service. He also managed a print shop for many years. However his dreams of the limelight continued and he started doing comedy gigs. Howard was the warm-up act for Pat Paulsen and for Jimmy Walker. He did college tours around the country and “robbed trains” during the train ride dramas at the Silverwood Theme Park in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Howard even appeared on “America’s Funniest People” and was in the movie “Caddyshack.” By the time Howard turned 50 years old, he had never “made it big” in comedy. He returned home to Chardon, and became employed by the YMCA there. He worked as the aquatics coordinator and lifeguard, and became known as “Mr. Howard” by his younger students. He also worked part time for Wiegand’s Lake. A huge pleasure for Howard was his annual trip to Arizona with his college buddies, whom after 35 years were still friends! He also enjoyed children, and his students loved “Mr. Howard”. Howard also tenderly cared for his aging parents in their home. He was a sensitive, caring and funny man! He will be missed by those who knew him. Howard is survived by his mother, Hilda, sisters Molly Nikkila of Chardon, and Jane (Mark) Sterland of Centralia, WA, and nieces and nephews, Matthew, Katie, David, John and Laura Sterland. He was preceded in death by his father, Aatos “Nik” Nikkila, who died February 14th, 2011. Visitation will be held at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South Street, Chardon (St. Rt. #44, 500′ south of Rt #6/ Chardon Square) on Friday November 18th, at 6 – 8pm. A funeral service will be at Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Eagle St. Fairport Harbor, OH, where Howard was a member. It will be held on Saturday, November 19th, at 11am., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Chardon Cemetery. Contributions in Howard’s memory may be made to: Howard Nikkila Memorial Fund, Geauga YMCA, 12460 Bass Lake Rd. Chardon, OH 44024, or to Zion Lutheran Church.