Remembering Nikki Spretnak

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a longtime friend of Camp Wyandot.

Born in Columbus on February 15, 1951, Nikki Spretnak died in the family home of 70 years on September 8, 2024. She was 73.

A pre-Title IX tomboy, Nikki grew up every summer at Camp Wyandot and in school played every sport in season. A graduate of Upper Arlington High School, Nikki attended Kent State, witnessing the shooting of four students in May 1970. She then received a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and attended the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Film Program. Upon returning to Columbus, she became Manager of the Ohio Film Bureau, helping to bring the major films Teachers, The Jesse Owens Story, and Mischief to be filmed in Central Ohio. At the age of 39 she became a CPA and worked at Price Waterhouse, Ernst & Young, and then the IRS as a Revenue Agent until her retirement.

Nikki’s volunteer work was extensive, including the Columbus Committee for UNICEF and the Columbus International Festival. She loved organizing the neighborhood floats for the Fourth of July parade.

Foremost, Nikki was a champion of Camp Wyandot. Nikki was a member of the Camp Wyandot board from 2011 to 2015, and as president in 2012, she led the successful maneuvering that allowed Camp Wyandot, Inc. to be established as a separate non-profit organization, independent of the Camp Fire Girls of America. Applying her CPA knowledge, Nikki also served as an advisor and assistant to the Camp Wyandot administrative office, paying particular attention to the financial records kept there. She was a significant donor to Camp Wyandot and served as the coordinator of our Luncheon.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donna and Joseph Spretnak. She is survived by her sister, Charlene Spretnak (a Wyandot counselor), and a niece, Lissa Merkel. She regrets leaving Daisy, the sweetest Lab who ever lived, but she will be well cared for by Connie Coutellier.

A memorial service will be held at the Clintonville Woman’s Club, 3951 N. High Street, Columbus, at 3:00 on Sunday, September 22, 2024.  Camp Wyandot will be collecting donations for a floral display from all of us.  Please call the office to participate.    614-481-8227 or 740-817-2000.