Nicole Lee Laus

Our beloved Nicole Lee Laus (Heling), 38, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Nicki was made in Japan and born in Vista, California on July 22, 1987 to Richard and Diana. She graduated from Menasha High School in 2005, where she thrived marching with the Bluejay Brigade Band (HUH) and performed in numerous theatrical performances. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, emphasis in Public Relations. After college, she moved to Madison, WI and began her career with Promega Corporation, where she was a Global Customer Service Specialist. Most recently, she worked for Quality Uptime Services as an OEM Maintenance Coordinator. She married the love of her life and best friend, Rudie Heling, on May 18, 2025. Rudie and Nicki were together for 14 years and together built their family, which included their dog daughter, Moxie. They enjoyed spending time together and shared their love of animals, seafood, South Park, dancing, and Halloween celebrations.

 Nicki was a loving wife, daughter, grand-daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. She had a passion for music, drama, writing, cooking and dancing. She acquired her love of reading and true crime from her grandmothers and passed them along to her sisters.

She had a unique way of lighting up the room with her perfect smile, spirited personality, infectious laugh, and signature dance moves. She cherished nostalgic memories, loved any and every musical, and lived for attending concerts with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory and spirit will forever live within our hearts.

Nicki is survived by her husband, Rudie Heling; parents: Richard Laus and Diana Yonke; step-father: 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; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Mark and Pam Heling; brothers-in-law: Eric (Gina) and Travis Heling; and grandmother-in-law: Beverly Heling. She is further survived by her loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Nicki 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 family members.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 11:00am until the time of the service at 1:00pm at Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha. There will be a gathering for Nicki following the ceremony at Waverly Beach in Menasha, where snacks and appetizers will be served. Nicki will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in Neenah, WI.

Nicki’s family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire incredible healthcare team at Froedtert TICU and Kathy’s House, for all of your dedicated service and support during this impossible time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kathy’s House in Nicki’s memory at:

https://kathys-house.org