Andrew (“Andy”) Nykolayow – Jul 29, 2021

Andrew (“Andy”) Nykolayow, 94, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Jamestown, ND, and Robinson, ND, passed away on July 29, 2021, at Bethany on 42nd, in Fargo, ND.

On July 16, 1927, Andy was born to William and Barbara (Oshanick) Nykolayow on the farm near Sand Creek, McCone County, MT, as part of the second set of twins. He attended Rose Valley and Wolf Creek country schools until the eighth grade, when he began farming. In 1950, he was drafted and joined the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division in Company G. After basic training at Camp Polk, Louisiana, his division was transported through the Panama Canal and was stationed on the front lines in Korea. During his military service, Andy served as an honor guard to Cardinal Francis Spellmen and a barber. From successfully capturing a North Korean prisoner, he visited Japan on a two-week rest and relaxation leave. Andy was wounded twice, receiving a purple heart and an oak leaf cluster. After serving for about two years, Andy was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

After the Korean War, he moved to Robinson, ND, and farmed. Andy practiced diversified farming, with crops, cattle, and bees. During the winter, he worked construction in Orlando, FL, and spent time with his brother, Steve, and nieces. Andy was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus in Wolf Point, MT and Steele, ND. In the 1980s, he moved to Jamestown, ND. At St. James Basilica, Andy met his future wife, Paulette Neva. Between 1982-1983, they married twice, in Las Vegas, NV, and at St. John’s Catholic Church in Kensal, ND. In 1987, Paulette and Andy welcomed their daughter, Ana. When Paulette passed away in 1994, Andy cut back on farming to raise his daughter with the help of his late wife’s parents and sisters. He continued to farm until his stroke in September 2009. Unable to live independently after his stroke, Andy’s great nephew, Kevin Hoversland, cared for him. In May 2010, his daughter returned to Jamestown to care for him. In 2011, Andy became a grandfather for the first time and moved to Fargo with his daughter and son-in-law, Matt. During the Fall of 2016, he moved to Bethany on 42nd. Since his stroke over 11 years ago (at the age of 82), Andy has experienced many milestone events. These events include his daughter’s undergraduate graduation, physically walking his daughter down the aisle with his walker during her wedding, the birth and development of his two granddaughters, and his daughter’s law school graduation.

Andy loved life and his family deeply. All his vacations involved visiting family in Florida, Canada, and Montana. Andy enjoyed numerous family holiday celebrations, which were filled with fun, love, and great food. For many years, he would meet his friends twice a day for coffee at Hardees in Jamestown. Andy loved taking pictures and his dog, Lucy. Although he never graduated from high school, Andy valued hard work and encouraged his family to attain a higher education. After his stroke, his two granddaughters, Alessandra and Veronica, became his greatest source of joy. Andy loved spending time with the two girls, especially seeing all their first moments, including standing, walking, and words. At Bethany, Andy loved to play Bingo with his granddaughters and attend their dance recitals and Trollwood performances. Andy strived to be kind to everyone. His family will greatly miss him.

Andy is survived by: his daughter, Ana Neir, son-in-law, Matthew Neir, granddaughters, Alessandra and Veronica Neir, Fargo, ND; one brother, Sam (Georgietta) Nykolayow, Florence, MT; four sisters-in-law, Pamala (Frank) Baumgartner, Green Valley, AZ, Gail Kollman, Kensal, ND, Beth Neva, Kensal, ND and Cindy (Michael) Mitchell. Eagan, MN; special niece, Dianne Hoversland, Wolf Point, MT; special nephew, Prentice Kollman, Jamestown, ND; and special great-nephew, Kevin Hoversland, Havre, MT. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is proceeded in death by: his parents; his wife, Paulette; five brothers, Joseph Nykolayow, John Nykolayow, Steve Nykolayow, Pete Nykolayow, and Mike Nykolayow; two sisters, Sister Thadea (Mary) Nykolayow, and twin Anne Stensland; his in-laws, Louis and Patricia Neva; and his brothers-in-law, Lloyd Kollman and Ernest Stensland.

Eucharist of Christian Burial: 3:00 PM, Friday, August 6, 2021, at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND with Father Kevin Lorsung officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Rosary/Prayer Service: 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Burial: St John’s Cemetery, Kensal, ND

Eddy Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.