HAMPSTEAD — Edward Paul Peter Nikl, 88, is finally at peace having left this earthly world Saturday, March 9, 2019, to be reunited with the love of his life, Marlys.
Edward was born Jan. 26, 1931, to Bertha and Louis Nikl in St. Paul, Minnesota. Edward was united in marriage to Marlys Hill on Aug. 11, 1951. They lived in south St. Paul, Minnesota, where they started their family, and in 1970, they moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin. Wanting to live in a warmer climate, they moved to Hampstead in 1985.
Ed loved woodworking projects; upon his retirement, Ed and Marlys started E&M Crafting selling their goods at various craft shows in North Carolina. He not only made small wooden children’s toys, but was an excellent craftsman making larger scale toys; such as, doll beds, highchairs, rocking horses, toy boxes and toy trains.
When Marlys developed Alzheimer’s, Ed gave up his woodworking to lovingly care for her. He loved her so much, he devoted all his time to being her caretaker so that they could remain at home together.
Edward is survived by his son, Kenneth (Susie) Nikl of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; daughters, Terry (Wayne) Lain and Sandy (Bill) Harrison of Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Justine Nikl (Gil Leija) of Beloit, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren, Jason (Shannon) Antonson, Justin (Heather) Antonson, Clint Wolkow, Jennifer (Erik) Stanton, Ben (Tiffany Carlock) Harrison, Tim (Jenna) Harrison, Jeremy (Kari Baker) Hause, Macy McNair, Zachary (Louise) Nikl and Quentin Nikl; and one sister, Louella Jelen. He was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marlys Nikl; son, Mark Nikl; granddaughter, Nicole Hause; and six sisters and two brothers.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 15, at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sea Lawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to express a special note of thanks to the nurses and staff of Woodbury Wellness Center and Lower Cape Fear Hospice for all the love and care shown to Mr. Nikl.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
