Jeffrey Paul Nikunen, 54, of Richfield passed away on October 22, 2022 at his home. The son of Rev. Jerome and Phyllis Nikunen, Jeff was born on September 15th, 1968 in Ontonagon, MI. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and knew Jesus as his savior. An avid Boy Scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Minnewaukan High School in Minnewaukan, ND in 1987. He attended NDSU-Bottineau for one year before going to the Association Free Lutheran Bible School where he graduated with a Certificate of Biblical Studies in 1990. He then went to St. Paul Bible College where he earned a B.A. in History and Secondary Education graduating Cum Laude in 1992. In 2014 he earned a certification as a Computer Support Specialist from Takoda Institute.
Jeff was married to Brenda Kjos on September 1st, 1990 in Fergus Falls, MN. They were blessed with six children.
Jeff most recently worked in various positions within the IT field. He enjoyed sports, history, hunting, fishing, board games and spending time with his kids. He made it a priority to be at as many of his kid’s sporting events, concerts, and theater productions as he could.
Jeff is survived by his children Jeremy (Emalynn), Jessica, Rose, Samuel and Caleb; former wife Brenda Nikunen; Father Rev. Jerome Nikunen; sister Rebecca Trushenski and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jeff was preceded in death by his infant son Peter; mother Phyllis Nikunen; and brother-in-law Dale Trushenski.
May God bless his memory
Visitation will be at 12 PM with the funeral service at 1 PM on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church of Cokato. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremations Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534