Lennea O. Nikkel, 91, of Hesston, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Schowalter Villa. In life, she was an intelligent, witty, active person, and an accomplished musician. Nea died of dementia. She was born September 7, 1930, in Clay Center, Kansas, the daughter of Harvey Louis and Alice Lennea (Berggren) Oetinger. She grew up in Morganville, Kansas.
She attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, and later graduated from Bethel College with a Bachelor's degree in Education.
Lennea was united in marriage to Vernon Lloyd Nikkel on June 11, 1950, in Morganville.
They began their married life in Weskan, Kansas, as teachers. After becoming a mother, Lennea became a devoted homemaker and piano teacher.
Lennea was a member of the Hesston United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir, played organ and piano, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the women’s group. She served on the Hesston School Board for many years. She was a member of the Lion's Club and Red Hats and active at the Senior Center. She was also on the original board for the Dyck Arboretum.
Lennea is survived by her son, San (Lisa) Nikkel of Moundridge; daughter, Greta (Bill) Baack of Manhattan; sisters, Rose Mina (Norman) Simmons and Ann Parr; brother, Bill (Grace) Oetinger; two grandchildren, Teri Griffith and Emelia (Chris) Housser; and three great-grandchildren, Amethyst Weinhoffer (Ollie Boyer), Axel Housser and Gunnar Housser.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; and parents, Harvey and Alice Oetinger.
Cremation is planned with a family memorial service to be held later. The family requests no gifts, but if desired make memorial donations to Hesston UMC in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, Kansas 67062.