The family of Nicole “Nicki” Lee Laus (Heling) shares with profound sadness that she passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 38, surrounded by her loving family.
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Early Life and Education
Nicki was “made in Japan” and born in Vista, California, on July 22, 1987, to Richard Laus and Diana Yonke. She grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Menasha High School in 2005. During those years, she thrived in the Bluejay Brigade Band and on stage in theatrical performances, reflecting her lifelong passion for the arts.
She later pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. Her love for communication, reading, and storytelling highlighted her expressive and thoughtful nature.
Career and Professional Life
Nicki began her professional journey in Madison with Promega Corporation, where she worked as a Global Customer Service Specialist. Most recently, she excelled as an OEM Maintenance Coordinator with Quality Uptime Services. Known for her warmth and dedication, she built lasting relationships with colleagues and clients throughout her career.
A Life of Love and Companionship
On May 18, 2025, Nicki married her best friend and partner of 14 years, Rudie Heling. Their marriage was filled with laughter, shared passions, and countless joyful moments. Together, they built a family that included their beloved dog daughter, Moxie, and cherished traditions such as Halloween celebrations, seafood feasts, dancing, and South Park marathons.
Cherished Memories
Nicki will be remembered as a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, and friend. She lit up every room she entered, bringing people together with her infectious laugh, love for music, and signature dance moves. She enjoyed concerts, cooking, reading true crime, and creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Inspired by her grandmothers’ love of books, Nicki passed her passion for stories on to her siblings, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and connection.
Family and Loved Ones
Nicki is survived by her husband Rudie Heling; parents Richard Laus and Diana Yonke; stepfather Joseph (Hilary) Schneider; siblings Michelle (Samuel) Gueli, Kristy (Mitch) Schneider, Weston (Emilee) Schneider, and Alex (Chelsey) Laus; nieces and nephews Layla, Liam, Lana, and Cooper; grandmothers Karen Yonke and Darleen Laus; parents-in-law Mark and Pam Heling; brothers-in-law Eric (Gina) and Travis Heling; grandmother-in-law Beverly Heling; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers Larry Laus and Herbert Yonke, great-grandmother Gladys Nelson, uncle Daniel Yonke, grandfathers-in-law Bill Heling and Clem Koch, grandmother-in-law Faye Koch, and other cherished relatives.
Services and Tributes
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at Waverly Beach in Menasha, where snacks and appetizers will be served. Nicki will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in Neenah, Wisconsin.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare team at Froedtert TICU and Kathy’s House for their compassion, dedication, and support during this difficult journey.
A Lasting Legacy
Nicki will forever be remembered for her radiant personality, her devotion to loved ones, and her ability to create joy from life’s simplest moments. Her light will continue to shine through the countless memories she leaves behind.