Nicholas J. "Nick" Earl

Nicholas “Nick” Earl, 77 aka “Big Nick” of Wapakoneta passed away suddenly at his home Monday December 9, 2024. He was born December 6, 1947, to Paul & Joan Earl who preceded him in death. Nick was a 1966 graduate of Wapakoneta High School and according to him, one of the greatest high school football players to ever come out of Wapak. He went on to be a 4-year letter winner and Captain on the Capital University football team. After college graduation he began to teach and coach football at the high school and the collegiate levels. On July 23, 1983, he married Peggy Earl, and the two started a family in Wapakoneta. Survivors include daughter Nikki Earl(friend, Dusty Kohlreiser) of Wapakoneta & son Jon(Natalie) Earl of Lakeside-Marblehead, OH. Granddaughters Taylor(Alex) Wheeler, Miranda Smith, Kendall Earl. Grandsons Drake Harris and Carter Earl. Great Grandchildren, Beau, Bobbi, Blake, and Baylee. Sisters Susie(Henry) Klima, Marlene(Mel) Luttmer & brother Jim(Roxie) Stinebaugh. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were all an important part of his life. Nick was also preceded in death by his step-father, John Stinebaugh, mother/father in law, Smilie and Joanne Wolfe, Aunt/Uncle, Vin and Pat Boyer and brother in law, Henry Klima. Nick was an active member of the AMVETS Post 333, VFW Post 8445, American Legion Post 330 and the Wapakoneta Optimist Club where he liked to play cards and socialize. He was also a member of Wapak First Church. Nick was an avid golfer and loved spending time boating with his family and Bass Haven friends where he was the self-proclaimed “Mayor of Bass Haven.” Nick retired from the Apollo Career Center in 2020, as the Dean of Students after 26 years. He was best known around town by all his former students as Mr. Earl and Coach Earl. He could frequently be seen driving around Wapak on his purple golf cart, rain or shine! The family will receive friends from 2-4pm Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Wapak First Church, Glynwood Road. A service will start at 4pm, Friday, at the church, with Pastor Josh Tissot officiating. A Celebration of Nick’s Life will immediately follow the service at Wapakoneta VFW Post 8445 where stories of Nick can be shared for all. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Apollo Educational Foundation founded to support the Apollo Career Center district which he loved dearly. Please use the following link, https://district.apollocareercenter.com/apollo-educational-foundation/how-to-donate/

Nicholas J. "Nick" Earl

December 6, 1947 - December 9, 2024