Donald Niccum

Donald D. Niccum, 86 passed away on November 17, 2019 at Perham Living in Perham, MN.

Donald Dean Niccum was born March 19, 1933 to Ralph and Cecilia “Sally” (Turchin) Niccum in Dent, MN.  Don’s dad died when Don was two years old.  He attended Dent elementary school and graduated from Perham High School in 1951.  Don was a member of the 1950 football team that was unscored upon, which was one of his great memories.  Following graduation, he was employed by Cleveland-Cliff Mining Company in Keewatin, MN and worked there until 1981, taking an early retirement.  While working in the mines, he enjoyed many memorable adventures with his dad’s sister, Laura and Nick Wourms and their family in Grand Rapids, MN.  He appreciated all the love they showed him. During the periods of layoffs at Cliff Mining, he did highway construction work.  One project he worked on was the tunnel in downtown Minneapolis.  He served in the United States Army from July 15, 1953 until April 6, 1955.

Don enjoyed many years of ice fishing and often came back with a “trophy” fish when spearing.  He loved to play cribbage and solitaire.  He spent many years after retirement traveling many miles each day to attend auction sales.  If you told him you were looking for a certain item, he would find it.  He loved visiting with all the people he met and was a friend to many auctioneers.  Don was a storyteller as everyone would agree.  He had a great memory of happenings from the past, sometimes joyful, sometimes not.

During the past few years, Don lived at Perham Living.  He felt at home right away, participated in many activities, especially bingo and met many new friends there.  He was always treated very well by staff which was a blessing to his family.

Don became a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham and always attended the Friday Mass and the Monday rosary times at Perham Living.

Don is survived by his sisters Barbara (Joe) Berns, Deloris “Lori” (Dorvin) Wendt and Maxine Swigart; brothers Dennis (Francy) Winkels and Eugene (Kathy) Winkels; sister-in-law Marie Niccum; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Cecilia; step-father Adam Winkels; brother Arlyn Niccum; brother-in-law Larry Swigart; niece Joy Berns, nephew Jayme Wendt and his grandparents Frank and Catherine Turchin and William and Bertha Niccum.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:30 a.m. followed by the memorial Mass at 11:30 on Friday, November 22, 2019 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham with Father Matthew Kuhn officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dent.

Don, we love you and will miss you very much.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN  (218) 346-5175  www.schoenebergerfh.com

Donald's Memorial Folder