Shawn Matthew Nakkula

Shawn died of symptoms related to kidney failure associated with a long history of diabetes. A memorial service will be held at Memorial Chapel in Hancock at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 2.

A visitation with family and friends will precede the service, starting at 10 a.m., also at Memorial Chappell. All are welcome. Shawn was the youngest of four brothers born to the late Arvid Matthew and Joyce Marie (Nuranen) Nakkula.

Shawn and his wife, Jennifer (Kommes) Nakkula, were married on Nov. 11, 1994. They spent their 30 plus years of marriage enjoying their shared love of music, exploration, family, and friendship. Shawn was an avid guitar player and vocalist. When healthy enough, he loved playing music with his brother Tim’s basement band. Shawn was also a renowned Karaoke singer who drew crowds wherever he performed, including the Copper Country, Green Bay, and Philadelphia.

He and Jennifer loved taking long rides together with their adorable dog Calvin. Together, Shawn and Jennifer were devoted pet owners, having raised and loved many fury friends over the past three decades.

In the mid-1990s, Shawn and Jennifer moved to the Philadelphia Area where they partnered with Shawn’s brother Mike in creating a used book and record store that also featured a small coffee shop, specializing in locally roasted coffee and regional bakery. Shawn drew on his lifelong love of music to oversee the selection of records and CDs, which he sold online as well as in the store. After about 5 years in the Philadelphia Area, Shawn and Jennifer moved the store to Eastern Ohio where they ran the business for several more years before returning home to the Copper Country and settling in Hancock.

Shawn is survived by his wife Jennifer; his brothers Mike (and Caroline Watts), Tim (and Tammy Laroux), and Greg (and Kathryn Erikson) Nakkula; his nieces Nicole, Ashley, and Becky (Mike Nilsen); his nephews Lukas and Sam Nakkula, and his great niece Myla Jay Nilsen. He was preceded in death by his parents Arvid and Joyce (Nuranen) Nakkula, his wife Jennifer’s parents Loren and Shirley Elaine Kommes and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

To view Shawn’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.