John Wellman Kikel, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022, after several illnesses.
John was the beloved husband of Carol (Petrich) Kikel, father of Jason (Kate), and grandfather of Elizabeth, Simon and Irene of Cleveland Heights; brother of Marilyn Williams deceased (Robert) of Norcross, Georgia, Richard deceased (Jeri) of Southside, WV, David (Jo-Anna) of Green Valley, Arizona, Glen (Charlotte) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, George of Arvada, Colorado, Robert of Colquitt, Georgia and Edward (Grace) of the Philippines.
John was born on February 5, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio to August and Marie Kikel. Marie passed away when John was 4 years old. August later married Alice Foldessy who went on to add five more sons to the family. Graduating from Bedford High School, Bedford, Ohio in 1955, John served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 serving as a Communications Specialist stationed in Germany. After an honorable discharge, most of John’s work career involved sales, often tackling challenging cold calls. He was a 26-year survivor of a 1996 heart transplant.
John loved family and friends. He loved playing button box accordion (carrying on his Slovenian heritage), drawing inspiration from Frankie Yankovic and Johnny Pecon. His version of “In Heaven, There is No Beer” remains an eternal family favorite. He loved going on fishing trips in the remote wilds of Canada. In his retirement years, he renovated an abandoned property in Jefferson, Ohio into a small working farm, realizing a lifelong dream.
As a red-blooded Slovenian, John’s resourcefulness in repairing, reusing, and repurposing was the stuff of legend. A lawnmower could be disassembled and reassembled with a cleaning sponge as an air filter and a handful of bolts left over (that didn’t need to be in there anyway).
John was a man of contrasts. In social settings, he could be the center of attention or a contemplative audience with equal likelihood. He could frequently be observed yelling at football or hockey games but was just as often found shedding tears over romantic comedies. He was extraordinarily generous, stopping at almost nothing to see that loved ones were supported and happy. A man of the old school, John was very set in his ways; yet (with the support of his family) he worked hard to pass on an improving life to his younger loved ones through higher education, financial support, and emotional awareness.
John Kikel loved thoroughly.
Thoroughly, he is and will be loved.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
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Glenn A Kikel
Dear Carol:
We loved reading John’s life story. We will miss the zoom calls with him, but hope that you will be a continuing presence on future calls or weddings (eg. Robert’s in January). Thankful that he passed easily, he was certainly a vital part of the family and will be missed. Carol exemplifies an angel incarnate.
Lou krainz
Carol, sending you prayers from manila and my deep sympathy for your lost….Lou krainz
Albert Klavora
John was my close friend for over 52 years. During that time, we played the Button Box almost weekly in various taverns etc. and went on many fly in fishing trips. His friendship cannot be replaced. Now, a greater audience will enjoy his humor and music.
Al Klavora
Jo Ann Hoffarth
John Kikel was a wonderful man. My sincerest condolences to Carol, Jason and all the members of the Kikel family.
Alice Mantey
What a beautiful tribute to a great man! I would have loved to jam with John and his button box. I especially loved the part about his resourcefulness. Sending Carol and all the family my sincere condolences. Love, hugs and prayers.
Kathleen York
I’ll miss his humor and listening to him play the button box accordion. My parents always expected one of us to take up the accordion, but that was not to be. John carried on the Spehek accordion tradition for us. We were lucky to have him so long, despite the fact that most heart transplants to last that long. John had true “heart” and ran on that.
Patty Klavora
John was always so sweet and kind. I will miss him calling me Schatze and of course miss him being the other half of our button box duo. Love to all of you as your cherish the wonderful memories with him. You certainly did a beautiful job honoring his memory here.