Michael Lee Nigus, 71, of Hiawatha, passed away Friday afternoon, August 18, 2017, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born February 7, 1946, in Horton, KS, the only child of Keith “Pete” and Mary Lou Lambert Nigus.  Mike attended schools in Robinson prior to graduating from Robinson High School with the class of 1964.  He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, where he was stationed in Germany for two of those years, discharged at the rank of sergeant.  After his military service, Mike was employed with the Rock Island Railroad.  In 1980, he began working for Union Pacific Railroad until he retired in 1993, as a brakeman.  He has been the owner/operator of Nigus Retail Liquor for the past 30 years.

Mike was a member of Quail Unlimited; BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge; Hiawatha Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM; and the Hedrick-Moll Post #148, Robinson American Legion.

Mike married Linda Watts, April 17, 1966, and lived in Topeka until 1980, when they moved to Hiawatha.  She survives.

Other survivors include daughters Sheri (Mick) Griffin of Lee’s Summit, MO, Stacy (Steve) Hoy of Falls City, NE; four grandchildren:  Emily and Allison Griffin, Ryker and Jake Hoy.  His mother, Mary Lou Nigus of Hiawatha, also survives.

Mike is preceded in death by his father Keith Nigus.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, August 24, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Shane Spangler officiating.  Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.  Private family inurnment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Brown County Developmental Services (BCDS), sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com