Leola Irene Niksch, 97 of Wanatah, passed away on Monday, April, 8, 2024 at home surrounded by family. She was born on July 20, 1926 in Valparaiso to the late James and Margaret (Dugan) Soliday and graduated from Valparaiso High School. She was a homemaker and farmer’s wife who worked at Lowenstines Department Store and McGill Manufacturing for a time. Leola was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Hanna, where she was also a part of their Ladies Aid, and was a member of the volunteer guild at Porter Memorial Hospital for 34 years. She loved animals, especially dogs, riding her bike, puzzles, traveling and square dancing with her husband Ralph, playing cards with friends, and big family gatherings—especially Christmas. Leola was quite the jokester who loved to trick people and make them laugh. Above all, she loved her family and enjoyed spoiling her grandkids. Her kind soul, generous heart, and sense of humor will be dearly missed.
On May 15, 1948 in Valparaiso, Leola married Ralph Niksch, who preceded her in death in 1997. Survivors include sons, Michael (Jennie) Niksch and Thomas (Lois) Niksch; grandchildren: Carissa (Tim) Stevens, Jennifer Leek, Brian Niksch, Camille Niksch, Katherine (Jason) Sarver, and Lynn (Neil) Deardorff; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Nancy Niksch. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Niksch; great-grandsons, Levi Deardorff and Owen Deardorff; and brothers: James, Robert, Donald, Ernest, and Elmer Soliday.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Wanatah Funeral Chapel, 309 N. Main Street, Wanatah, IN 46390 with a service starting at 11:00 AM with Rev. Joel S. Zipay officiating. Burial to follow at Hanna Cemetery in Hanna, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Supplemental United Pantry Inc., P.O. Box 243, Hanna, IN 46340.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry to hear this. Aunt Leola had a great laugh, could make the best Mac and Cheese, and always had great family gatherings. Thank you for so many fun fond memories. -Jan (Niksch) Rozanski
