Obituary of John Herman Nipkau

Lodi resident, John Herman Nipkau passed away Tuesday, January 2nd at his home with his caregiver Mali Di Piero nearby. He was 94 years old. John was born March 14, 1929 to parents John R. and Marie Nipkau and has been a lifelong resident of San Joaquin County. He worked as a sub contractor for road construction for 50 years, and many of those years were with Western Asphalt.

John was a member of the Model A Club, was active with the Lockeford Seventh Day Adventist Church, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with close friends. He loved animals, in later years he especially loved their family dogs which included a beautiful Chow Chow, Pomeranians, a Cocker Spaniel and his two little Pekingese/Lhasa Apso’s and finally his big fluffy cat.

John was a quiet person, but showed his love in the work he did for others. He spent countless hours working in his machine shop on various projects for himself and friends. With acquaintances he built a small kitchenette where they could all gather, barbecue, and enjoy John’s renowned 6-gun chili beans and soup. He was a man of strong character and will be truly missed. 

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Nipkau, and siblings, Rose Silva, William Nipkau and Johanna Mills. He is survived by his children, Judy Heberle (Fred) of Memphis, TN and Joni Barosso (James) of Linden, CA; and grandchildren, Douglas Heberle of Germantown, TN and Elisa McDaniel (Deon) of Farmington, CA.

A special thank you to Amalia Di Piero and Doneth Riley, his precious care givers that cared so tirelessly for John. They were his angels on earth. Thank you also to the other care providers who were there for John during his waning months.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 16th at 10:00 a.m. at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 Fairmont Ave with a reception to follow on site. Graveside services will be held privately at Lodi Memorial Cemetery, where he will be reunited with Joan. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.