John F. Niekamp

The Heavens will be shaking as the Niekamps, Heitkamps, and Dettlings welcome John Niekamp home and enjoy the best damn family reunion the place has ever seen.

John Frederick Niekamp, age 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 5, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and friend.

John was born on July 16, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton - no small feat, as severe hearing loss made following lectures nearly impossible. After college he moved to Akron, where his grit and entrepreneurial spirit led him to become owner and operator of The Audiophone Company of Akron, dedicating his professional life to improving the lives of people with hearing loss. The very thing others might have called a disability became his life's purpose and his greatest strength.

John met Patricia Dettling through CYO events, where they formed a circle of friends who stayed close for the rest of their lives. On a joyful October 11, 1964, he married her at St. Bernard Church. Their marriage spanned more than six decades, marked by love, partnership, deep respect for one another - and a shared love of dancing that made them the last couple to leave the floor at every wedding and party. They were faithful members of Saint Sebastian Parish.

John was an avid golfer who enjoyed his time on the course, a good game of poker, bridge or euchre, a cold beer with a neighbor, vacations in Hilton Head with his family, and the simple joy of a freshly washed car. Those who knew him will remember a man with a quick smile, a tireless work ethic, extraordinary kindness, steadfast character, and a sense of humor that never left him.

Above all else, John adored his family. He was the proud father of Chris (Andrea), Jim (Cheryl), and Bridgett (Chad Fix), and grandfather of Maggie Niekamp (Kevin Dong), Bradley, Jason, Sophie, Matthew, and Stanley Niekamp, and Mitchell Fix. He loved the many members of the Niekamp and Heitkamp families of Dayton, and was, by all accounts, the favorite in-law of the Dettling's. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, his children and grandchildren, and countless cherished family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and other dear family members.

The family is deeply grateful to all of John's caregivers. In particular, Amy Siebert cared for him like family for many years, and Meggon Skelly and Denisha Hereford tended to him devotedly and brought him joy in his final days.

Though he will be greatly missed, his influence will be felt through the countless lives he touched. His family will carry forward his example of faith, strong work ethic, kindness, and the power of laughter.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. Let it rip in Heaven!"

May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Starkey Hearing Foundation in John Niekamp's name.

We will receive family and friends on Saturday Sept. 19, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the vestibule of Saint Sebastian Church, with a Funeral Mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Following the Mass, the family invites all who knew John to gather on the terrace at Beau's Grille in Fairlawn. Whether or not you are able to attend the Mass, we would love to see you there.