Nicole Ann Heiser

Nicole Ann Heiser passed away tragically on Monday, October 19, 2026. Born in Waukegan, IL on December 4 1988, Nicole attended St. Anastasia Catholic School through eighth grade and Warren Township High School, participating in volleyball, basketball, girl scouts, and theater. She later graduated from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, with a minor in Animal Behavior. Nicole developed and nurtured deep friendships throughout these years, with some very precious ones growing well into her adult years.

Nicole was an animal lover, understanding of and caring for animals from a very early age. She released minnows from fishing buckets, assisted turtles crossing the road, and adopted the abandoned. Her professional career matured her love and fascination with animals. Nicole was an esteemed veterinary technician at Northern Illinois Cat Clinic in Libertyville, IL for thirteen years and most recently at GreenTree Animal Hospital in Libertyville, IL. She continued growing her animal knowledge through observation, research, and other learning opportunities. Her work was her passion, and her patients were treasured.

Nicole had a great reverence for the natural world and loved escaping to the northern Wisconsin woods. She lived consciously, choosing vegetarianism, building her life around sustainable practices, and modifying her ways to better animals - she always cut pop can packaging so that swimming ducks wouldn’t be harmed. Her spirit mirrored the natural world in her quiet confidence and grace.

Nicole led with compassion and stewardship. She shared her time and wisdom with clients that became friends, generously supported her nieces through life milestones, carried a stumbling person through a dark time, and volunteered at animal shelters. Her loyalty to her family, close friends, and convictions was unwavering.

Nicole is preceded in death by her father, Robert Heiser, and her beloved Frankie, her long-time pet cat. She is survived by her mother, Joanne Heiser, her sister, Jennifer Delfeld, her brother-in-law, Paul Delfeld, her adoring nieces, Sloan and Rosemary Delfeld, her dogs, Cody and Phoebe, and some treasured friendships that will live on undoubtedly. Nicole’s sudden departure from this world does not dim her bright light, nor does it lessen the profound impact she made in improving so many animals’ and loved ones’ lives. She was taken from us much too soon. Nicole will be deeply missed, but we will always hold her in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Second City Canine Rescue – sccrescue.org/donate/.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 27th 4-8pm at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Rd. Gurnee. Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, October 28th 10am at St. Paul the Apostle, 6401 Gages Lake Rd. Gurnee. The funeral will process to Ascension Cemetery at 1920 Buckley Rd in Libertyville.