Nicolet (Nickie) J. (Rehling) Vanderloos
October 4, 1955 – December 12, 2022
On December 12th the Lord received the best pinochle and bridge partner he could ask for. Nicolet (Nickie) Vanderloos passed away with her family at her side after a short battle with cancer.
Nickie was born in Billings on October 4th, 1955, to Eugene (Gene) and Iline Rehling. Gene and Iline raised Nickie in Laurel, Montana along with older sister Penny and her younger sister Kim. This family bonded over good times on family vacations, playing cards, going camping, traveling to Laurel High School basketball games, and shopping.
After graduating from Laurel High School in 1973, Nickie held many short-term jobs until she enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975. She completed basic training at Fort McClellan in Alabama and then was stationed in Fort Collins, CO and in Germany.
It was in Germany where the Army instructed her on how to detonate the base if it were to ever be overrun, a fact that she was proud to share! She was honorably discharged from the Army in 1978 and used her GI Bill to attend college. Nickie pursued and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems at Eastern Montana College. That is correct everyone, to Nickie it was always Eastern Montana College, not MSU-Billings where she obtained her degree.
Upon graduating, Nickie held many part time jobs that included the Billings Job Service and the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch. In the spring of 1984, Nickie married the love of her life, Jerry Vanderloos. They settled in Bridger, Montana and later they moved to Hysham. To this union in 1985 they were blessed with a son (Bryan) and later in 1989 a daughter (Kacie).
In Hysham, Nickie had several jobs over the years. Her first and foremost job was being a wonderful mother to Bryan and Kacie and taking care of her family. The other jobs she held included being a substitute teacher, working at the Post Office, a school bus driver, statistician for the Montana Ag Statistics Service, and a clerk at the Friendly Corner to name a few. She very much enjoyed her time working at the Friendly Corner, this is where she learned all the gossip in Hysham, chatted with most folks in town, and met many visitors passing through Hysham.
Nickie enjoyed cooking, canning, and baking. She was an excellent baker. She could be counted on to make a pie or any baked good for an event. She was very proud of the many awards she won at the Rosebud-Treasure County Fair for her baked goods. She also enjoyed having pets in her life. Most recently, Nickie had two dachshunds that brought joy to her life.
Once she retired from the Friendly Corner, Nickie became involved as a volunteer on the Hysham Pool Board and later the Hysham Senior Citizens Board. She diligently played bridge and pinochle every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Community Center with her dearest friends.
Nickie is survived by her husband Jerry of 38 years, son Bryan (Korrin) of Helena, daughter Kacie (Tim) of Laurel, her mother Iline Rehling of Laurel, sister Kim (Blake) of Billings and sister Penny of Billings, uncle Ted (Dorothy) of Laurel, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nickie was preceded in death by her father Gene, in-laws Henry and Dorothy Vanderloos, her paternal and maternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
Nickie’s family would like to send a big thank you to her numerous dear friends in Hysham and the Kolb family for all their support.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the Hysham Community Presbyterian Church, 302 Division Street Hysham, MT 59038. Following the funeral service, a reception will follow at the Hysham Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nickie’s name are suggested to the Hysham Pool Board, the Hysham Senior Citizens Board, or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Vicky & Larry Fink says
Nickie’s family… Our deepest sympathy to you. We always looked forward to Tuesday bridge and having Nickie as a partner. She was a good bridge player & a supportive partner! Nickie liked to visit & was always wanting to know what the kids & grandkids were up to. We will miss you Nickie but know you will always be dealing yourself an opening hand. RIP our friend.
Kimber Emmons says
I am so very sorry to hear of Nickie’s passing. I will remember her big smile and her happy laugh for always! God Speed.
Heads Up Hearts Strong. Always.
Brett, Kimber, Chi (Savannah & Bennett), ~Kenna~, ~Cale~, Kensi, ~Caty~, Karlee
Cindy Niles says
My thoughts and prayers goes out to Nicki’s family and Aunt llene and cousins Penny and Kim. I am so sorry for your loss. With lots of love Cousin Cindy. RIP cousin Nicki.
Brad & Tanya Dorvall says
Our thoughts and prayers to Jerry and family in the loss of Nickie. Have many memories of you both when you were our neighbors in Bridger. God bless you all during this difficulty time. Brad and Tanya Dorvall
Sue & Dick Tombrink says
Dick & Sue Tombrink says: We were so sorry to learn about Nicki. She was always so much fun to visit with when we’d call her about the Annual Threshing Bee. She was such a lovely lady! Our thoughts & prayers go out to Jerry and the family. Dick & Sue
Chuck says
I had the great opportunity to meet Nikkie Many years ago while working for a beer company, she was always wonderful to talk to and always in a pleasant mood, My condolences to the family, please find peace that she is in a wonderful place now .
Chuck littleton says
I had the opportunity to meet Nikki many years ago while working for a beer company, she was always pleasant to talk to you in a great mood, my condolences to the family
Jean Perry says
My heart is sad for the family. Have many pleasant memories of Nickie and Bryan and Kacie from Hysham School.
Gail and Ron Kolb says
Jerry, Kacie and Bryan, you know our thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be with you as we bid goodbye to Nickie. She was a great lady and she leaves a hole in all our hearts.
Jake Kolb says
Jake and Julia Kolb says
Jerry, Kacie and Bryan, so sorry to hear of your loss. Although we are not there, we are thinking of you. God Bless.
Lisa Criswell says
Vanderloos family, I got to know Nickie over the past few years through the Senior programs and playing cards. She would wear t-shirts that had sayings that I always enjoyed reading, I appreciate her humor. Great lady and will be missed!