Richard John "Rick Nixa

Richard “Rick” Nixa, 68, of Merrifield, MN, lost his courageous battle with cancer on June 11, 2024.

Rick was born in Rochester on November 6, 1955 to Gene and Bunny Nixa. He attended and graduated Rochester schools. He attended Hutchinson, MN vocational school for motorcycle mechanics and Rochester, MN RCTC for computer science. He was employed by Rochester Yamaha Shop, Rochester Harley Davidson and IBM. Always fixing something and helping others. After retiring, he and his best friend Gail made the move to the Brainerd area to enjoy lake life.

Rick enjoyed anything fast especially if he was driving it, which sometimes resulted in an accident. He enjoyed building cars and motorcycles in his “showroom shop.” He could fix or plan on fixing anything that was broken, usually he was the one that broke it. If he couldn’t do it, he “knew a guy.” Everywhere he went, he ran into someone he knew resulting in long conversations and trips down memory lane. He was a memorable friend to all and had so many life experiences it was somewhat unbelievable...maybe a bit exaggerated and always entertaining. In true Irish fashion, he took the high road...even though it took some years to find that road.

Rick’s family meant the world to him and he meant the world to his family. He had so many plans that were affected by his health, believing he would and could get to them. He will be truly missed but ohhh the memories and stories we’ll have to remember him by.

He is survived by his wife Gail; 4 children, Sean Nixa, Michael Gilbert, Kari Schoenfelder and Kelly Horsman; 8 grandchildren, Jack, Joe, Tyler, Caden, Landon, Nora, Finnigan and Quinn; siblings Mike Nixa, Mary Jo Wilson and Pat Nixa; and his four-legged buddy Louie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Bunny Nixa and father-in-law Louie Schmieder.

The family wishes the biggest thank you to Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Home Healthcare staffs in Crosby, MN, that dealt with Rick. Especially the ICU for their phenomenal care given with extreme compassion for Rick and his family.

The family will hold a private gathering at a later date.

Memorials will be donated to a dog shelter organization as Rick loved his puppies. Cards can be sent to Koop Funeral Home, PO Box 7 Crosby, MN 56441 and condolences can be sent on koopfuneralhome.com.