Nicholas Gravis Waikel, age 33, of Milford, passed away unexpectedly, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Missoula, Mont.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1991, the son of Thomas and Melissa Gravis Waikel in Warsaw.
Nick was baptized into the Catholic Church and graduated from Wawasee High School in 2009. He went on to serve his country in the United States Navy as a Quartermaster E3. Nick loved being outdoors, traveling across the country, hiking and biking anywhere. He had the heart of an adventurer with an untamable spirit.
Nick is survived by his parents, Thomas and Melissa Waikel, of Milford; 12 siblings: Thomas (Melissa) Waikel III, of Syracuse; Elizabeth Waikel, of Milford; Ethan (Eunice) Waikel, of San Francisco; Matthew (Eliahna) Waikel, Madeleine Waikel, of Milford; Gabrielle Waikel, of Milford; Victor Waikel, of Milford; Maximilian Waikel, of San Francisco; Anna Waikel, Ian Waikel, Josephine Waikel and Peter Waikel, all of Milford; grandparents, Thomas and Marcia Waikel Sr., of Warsaw; and Lewis and Jennie Gravis, of Davidson, N.C.; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison St., Warsaw. Father Jonathan Norton will officiate. Burial will follow at Milford Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16 at Mishler Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 461 W. CR 900N, Milford.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mishlerfhcc.com.