Erma Nadine Nikkila

October 9, 1942 – July 27, 2025

Erma Nadine Nikkila (Ahrens) passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was born on October 9, 1942, to Alfred and Helen Ahrens. After her mother's passing, she was lovingly raised by her father, Alfred, and stepmother, Maxine.

On March 29, 1958, Erma married the love of her life, Peter Paul "Pete" Nikkila, in McCook, Nebraska. Together, they raised three sons. Erma and Pete made their home in Nebraska for 18 years until moving to South Dakota in 1976, and later to Urbana, Missouri in 2001. Six years after Pete's passing in 2010, Erma returned to South Dakota to live with family, where she spent the remainder of her years.

Erma, a devoted wife, mother, and sister, was known for her creativity, determination, and big heart. She enjoyed painting, quilting, crafting, assembling puzzles, and playing cards with family and friends. She was a force to be reckoned with who left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She will be missed by many.

She is survived by her three sons: Doug (Brenda) Nikkila, Rockie (Patty) Nikkila, and DeWayne (Marlo) Nikkila; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Nikkila; her mother, Helen; her father, Alfred; her stepmother, Maxine; her sisters, Carolyn, Alvina, and Lois; and her brother, Dwight.