Christopher L. Niekamp died Wednesday, April 10 at his home in Wapakoneta. He was 66 years old.

He is survived by his life partner, Roger Kohler, formerly of Botkins.

The son of Cy and Roberta Niekamp, his father is deceased. His mother survives in Celina; as does his sister, Lori Heckler Herman, her husband Ken Herman, and nephew Dane Herman, also of Celina. Christopher is also remembered by the many members of Roger's extended family, who welcomed him into their family more than 40 years ago.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his beloved Aunt Iris and Uncle Bob Bolen of Greenville; grandparents Ken and Helen Barga, and a brother-in-law, Larry Heckler.

A 1976 graduate of Marion Local High School, Christopher attended Defiance College, and earned his cosmetology degree in Hazelton, Pa.; he finalized his degree at the Ohio State Beauty Academy. Christopher was an artist, probably best known by the hundreds of area residents who were his clients at Miracles on Mane hair salon. He opened his salon in 1981 with business partner John Sanders. The duo acquired Mane Attraction in 1982, and in the early 1990s also operated salons in Celina and Indian Lake. The business expanded in 1995 to included Embellishments, an interior design establishment.

The Wapakoneta community benefitted from Christopher's creativity as he was actively involved with the Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership, helping create the Orange Light District for the Halloween promotions, the "Chairity" Auction fundraiser as well as the Derby Days event. In 2007 Christopher was named Wapakoneta's Citizen of the Year in appreciation for his support of the community. He was an active of BNI and looked forward to the weekly meetings. Christopher also took private painting lessons and enjoyed reading.

While no formal services are planned, a private celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Remembrances in Christopher's honor can be made to the Auglaize County Humane Society, or the charity of your choice; his loved ones encourage you to honor him by gathering together and sharing memories.