With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Nicole “Nicki” Lee Laus (Heling) shares that she passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 38, surrounded by her loving family.
Nicki was “made in Japan” and born in Vista, California, on July 22, 1987, to Richard Laus and Diana Yonke. From the very beginning, Nicki radiated joy, curiosity, and creativity—qualities that stayed with her throughout her life and touched everyone who knew her.
Early Life and Education
Nicki grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Menasha High School in 2005. During those formative years, she thrived as a member of the Bluejay Brigade Band (HUH) and showcased her talents in multiple theatrical performances, reflecting her deep passion for the arts. Her creativity and natural charisma made her a standout among her peers.
She pursued her love of communication and storytelling at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Nicki’s love of learning, reading, and writing reflected her thoughtful and expressive spirit.
Career and Accomplishments
After graduation, Nicki moved to Madison, WI, where she began her professional journey with Promega Corporation, serving as a Global Customer Service Specialist. Her dedication, warmth, and ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike. Most recently, she worked for Quality Uptime Services as an OEM Maintenance Coordinator, where she continued to excel in her career while forming strong bonds with her coworkers.
Love and Family
On May 18, 2025, Nicki married the love of her life and best friend, Rudie Heling, after sharing 14 beautiful years together. Their relationship was a partnership built on laughter, respect, and a shared zest for life. Together, they built a family that included their beloved dog daughter, Moxie, and filled their days with love and companionship.
Nicki and Rudie shared passions that brought them joy—animals, seafood, dancing, South Park marathons, and Halloween celebrations. Their life together was vibrant and full of moments that reflected their fun-loving nature and strong bond.
A Spirit That Lit Up Every Room
Nicki’s family and friends remember her as a woman of immense talent and unshakable love. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, and friend. She had a gift for bringing people together, whether through her infectious laugh, her love of music and musicals, or her unforgettable signature dance moves.
She loved cooking, reading true crime, attending concerts, and reliving cherished memories with family and friends. Her grandmothers inspired her love of books and stories, which she joyfully passed along to her siblings. Nicki’s ability to create joy out of simple moments will forever be her legacy.
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; and grandmother-in-law Beverly Heling, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and 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 dear family members.
