Nickole “Nikki” Touchinski

Nikki was born December 1, 1996 at 11:01 p.m. at Marquette General Hospital the daughter of Dr. Carole L. Touchinski and Michael W. Touchinski. She was the loving, protective and antagonistic older sister of Ricky Touchinski.

She graduated from Father Marquette Schools and Marquette Senior High School with Honors and as a member of the Honors Society. During high school she was a member of the Women’s Ski Team and was a member of Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy, through which she earned her black belt and placed in many tournaments in Dae Ryun (sparring). Her Master instructors included Joyce Treadeau, Carl Vonk and Ron Strong. She earned her Black Belt under Master Vonk and Master Strong. She was also a long-term member of the Youth Advisor Council. She earned three gold Presidential Service Awards from President Barack Obama and a State of Michigan Citation from Representative Steven Lindberg for her dedication to community service. She was a fantastic youth fund raiser and raised thousands of dollars for nonprofits in the Marquette Community. One of her favorite fundraisers was the annual fundraising day for the YMCA. She had many favorite nonprofit charities including Care Clinic, YMCA, and Women’s Center. She would always repeat something she learned from her fund raising mentor Carole Pence, “Smile while you dial!” She was pursuing a degree in Medical Lab Sciences from Michigan State University. While at MSU she served as Vice President of P.R.I.S.M. She also worked for the MSU Bakery and served as a Supervisor in East Neighborhood Residence Halls. While home in Marquette she worked at the US 41 Subway under the supervision and mentorship of Peggy Schwemin where Nikki earned the nickname Bread Jesus. Nikki loved animals. I am sure she was greeted first in heaven by her beloved dog Chopper.

Surviving Nikki include her maternal grandparents Tom and Jan Heslip, her paternal grandmother Lois Touchinski. Aunts and uncles include: Doug and Patty Heslip and children Barron “Bear” and Marley “Cakes”; Steve and Michelle Verbridge and son Michael “Spoo”; Lynnel and Stan Brady and their children Tony and Amber; Pat and Janel Touchinski; Leanne Touchinski and Sue Vadnais.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Anthony J. Touchinski Jr and her beloved dog Chopper. She also had many friends around the world including: McKinleigh “Mac-Dog” Claffey, Parker Anderson, Carlie Castillo, Andy Vanwelsenaers, Mel McNamee, Devon Harison, Rachel Wells, Katie Buhrmann, Helen Boburka, and Quinn Alt. So many friends and colleagues; thank you all for being among them!

Just some things her family and friends would like you to know about Nikki, she was a voracious reader, loved to ski at Marquette Mountain, always wanted to walk more steps each day than anyone else, fought against injustice, and actively participated in politics; most recently stumping for Bernie Sanders. She was a genius and very scientifically minded she knew an unreal number of random facts. She went way out of her way to help her friends and serve others. She was selfless and went the extra mile. She loved music and was always warm. When it was more than 60 degrees she complained that it was too hot! Nikki was LOUD, not just in terms of her big voice but also loud in terms of how she lived her life. Some other words to describe her: Intelligent, Unique, Indecisive, Lovable, Spaced Out, Patient, Great Listener, Generous, Stubborn, Thoughtful and an incredibly hard worker. And be sure to have your Key Audit Done!

A casual Celebration of Life Ceremony has been scheduled for Monday, March 26, at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home, with a time of greeting beginning at 4 p.m. until the Celebration of Life at 6 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed online at swanson lundquistfuneralhome.com.