Laurie Kaye Nickels, 67, of Darien, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, after a hard-fought battle, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 8, 1959, in Elkhorn, WI, to Edward and Bessie (Greene) Schell.
On July 17, 1976, Laurie married the love of her life, Joseph Nickels. Together, they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. Laurie graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1977. She went on to dedicate her life to caring for those she loved.
Laurie found joy in crafting, sewing, cooking, and tending to her flowers. In their younger years, Laurie and Joe built and remodeled homes together, creating not only houses but lasting memories. They spent over 20 years on their hobby farm on Creek Road before selling it in 2016 and moving into town. Over the years, they created lifelong memories and shared many laughs camping with friends and family. To those who knew and loved her best, she was Wife, Mom, Nana, Sister, and “Shortdog.”
One of her proudest accomplishments was making quilts from her father’s flannels for her family, along with countless other handmade projects for friends and loved ones.
Laurie is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Nickels; her children, Amy (Andy) Schwartz of Darien, WI; Mat (Mary) Nickels of Darien, WI; and Katie (Andy) Flynn of Janesville, WI.
She was a proud grandmother to Shelby Nickels, Grant Zweifel, Jaelyn (Matthew) Goode, Gavin Flynn, and Owen Schwartz, and a great-grandmother to Kyleigh Nickels — with another great-grandchild eagerly anticipated.
She is also survived by her siblings: Kenneth (Marna) Schell of Delavan, WI; Dan (Beverly) Schell of Darien, WI; Julie (James) Brovold of Darien, WI; LeAnne Marino of Arizona; Patti Jo (Dave) Saam of Delavan, WI; and Eddie (Jennifer) Schell of Clinton, WI.
She is further survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Berve of Darien, WI; Pat Long of Darien, WI; Fran Nickels of Darien, WI; and Colleen Nickels, Darien, WI; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Bessie Schell; her in-laws, Francis and Alva Nickels; her brothers-in-law, Dan and Mike Nickels, and Oz Long; and her nephews, Adam and Andrew Brovold and Ronnie Nickels.
Her strength, determination, and generosity will live on through the family and friends she cherished. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hanna, Lorna, and the Agrace Hospice Trillium team for their amazing care and compassion during this time.
A Celebration of Laurie’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM at Pub 450 (The Darien Legion), 24 Market St, Darien, WI. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and raise a glass to a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Agrace Hospice in Laurie’s memory. Memorial donations may be made to Agrace, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or at Agrace.org/Donate.
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