Dennis Nikolanci

Dennis Jon Nikolanci, 66, of Houston, Texas, died and was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 27th 2015. He passed away unexpectedly in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born August 13th, 1948 in Virginia, Minnesota, to Rudolph and Mildred Nikolanci. He grew up and attended school in Mt. Iron, MN where he participated in track and football. He attended Mesabi Community College and worked at U. S. Steel before he moved to Texas in 1977. He worked numerous jobs there and also attended the University of Houston majoring in Computer Science. Dennis was a very interesting man who had a wanderlust spirit and a great work ethic. He worked numerous jobs in numerous states over the course of his life including; cemetery worker, miner, auto factory ,North Slope of Alaska on pipeline, delivery truck driver, computer programmer, land agent for oil companies, o-t-r trucker, and tanker truck driver transporting crude oil. He also spent 5 years in Iraq as a civilian contractor supporting the US military campaign in Iraq. He was very proud to have supported our brave military forces and had many interesting stories of his experiences. He also toured numerous countries in Europe and Africa. Dennis realized his need for a Savior as a young man and put his faith in Jesus Christ which radically changed his life for the better. He loved the LORD and was a member of Berachah Bible Church in Houston. He supported various Christian ministries. He enjoyed animals and spending time in nature observing God's beautiful creation. He loved his country and was very concerned about the political, moral and spiritual decline of the USA. He also loved listening to big band music. He was a gentle, humble man with a kind heart, and a keen sense of wit who will be greatly missed. Survivors include one sister, Jeanne (Larry) Schechinger of Central Lakes, MN; three brothers, Steven (Bill) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Thomas (Stephanie) of Mt. Iron, and John of Minneapolis, MN; five nephews and nieces, Loddie Kreps, Larry (Susan) and Joseph (fiancé Dusty Thome) Schechinger, Joseph of Int. Falls and Andrew (Amber) Nikolanci of Superior, WI; one great-nephew, Channing Andrew Nikolanci; two great-nieces, Ella Grace and Aria Rose Nikolanci; and very dear friends, Nabaz (Rose) Khosnaw and their children, Ziryan, Awaz and Zoran Khosnaw from San Diego, CA who were a second family to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Mildred (Gidos) Nikolanci. A memorial service will be held in late May. A notice will be placed in the obituary section of the Mesabi Daily News a few weeks prior to the service. To share condolences on line please see Facebook Page Dennis Nikolanci. Information on memorial services will also be posted there.