Nicole A. "Nicki" Gilbert

All who knew Nicole “Nicki” Gilbert would agree that she was someone who was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She had a smile as her constant companion and a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Nicki was talented, hardworking, and driven to succeed, yet she was also humble and gracious in everything she did. Blessed to share much of her journey with the love of her life, she was a loving wife and devoted mother who loved nothing more than being surrounded by her loved ones. Nicki was a hugger, a giver, and a genuine person who was a friend to everyone she met. Although her life ended much too soon, the impact she made in the world around her is no less significant. Nicki will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to all who were blessed to know and love her.

The 1970s were a decade unlike any other when the activism from the 1960s continued to gain momentum. Population growth hit an all-time lull while we continued to reach beyond ourselves through the exploration of space. It was just as this exciting decade was dawning that a young couple from Racine, Wisconsin, was delighted with the birth of a healthy baby girl on February 8, 1971. Nicole A. was one of two daughters born to her parents, Mike and Marsha Iggulden, and she was raised in the family home alongside her sister, Michelle. She was a student at St. Joe’s Grade School and went on to St. Catherine’s High School.

By the time she was in high school Nicki’s vibrant personality shined. She was friends with everyone and always surrounded by a ton of people as she was never one to be into various cliques. Nicki loved hanging out with friends, going to friends’ houses for sleepovers, going to dances and high school sporting events, and spending time at Pershing Park or Augusta Beach. As her friends and family can attest, Nicki gave the biggest hugs that seem to swallow you in, and she was always the peacemaker of the group. It was easy to see that she believed that friendship was a true gift, and it has been said that Nicki was like a present as you never knew exactly what you were getting – although it was always something good! She could often be found blasting music like “Wide World” by Cat Stevens or “Shakin’” by Eddie Money in the car. In addition to holding down to her studies in high school she also worked as a waitress at Pinocchio’s Restaurant.

After graduating from high school in 1989, Nicki went on to Marian College. This proved to be a fateful move as it was there that she met the love of her life. His name was George Gilbert, and they met when she was a freshmen while George was a senior. They met one another while sitting across from each other at a soccer team house party. Although they talked for four hours, it seemed like a mere four minutes to George as he was truly smitten. Nicki always spoke of how handsome he was. The next day when George was walking to his car he realized that he was in love and wanted to spend the rest of his life with Nicki. While in college Nicki continued to enjoy hanging out with her friends, often at Hammes’ Tavern. After dating for a time, she and George were deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Nicki and George were united in marriage on May 6, 1995, at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was a lifelong member.

With a passion for becoming a hairstylist, Nicki began apprenticing for Partners in Design in 1991. Her future partners, Mary Bryant, and Julie Borglin, joined her there that same year. They happily worked together for the 18 years that followed. Ready to take the next logical step, Nicki and her two friends and fellow stylists spent several years planning their own salon. They finally found the perfect building that happened to be covered in vines. After months of renovations, The Vine Hair Salon opened for business in March of 2009. The business has thrived, growing to include eight hairstylists. Along with their influence, the building also provides the services of aestheticians, massage therapists, and a nail technician.

Although her career was exciting as it was building, Nicki’s family was first and foremost in her life. Together she and George welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Cole and Sadie. Nicki was an active part of her children’s lives and loved being there to support her son in his basketball and baseball games and her daughter in basketball and soccer. She covered her children with unconditional love and was there for whatever they needed. Nicki was blessed to have her sister and best friend living next door with her husband, Slade, and their children who were like an extension of her own family.

Throughout her life Nicki’s journey was enriched in numerous ways. She loved vacationing whether with friends to places like Arizona, Iowa, New York, and Kentucky, or with George and some friends to Las Vegas and Palm Desert, California. Although she was not a sports fan Nicki did love working out including most recently at Coreadvantage Studio with her friend, Joe Eloundou. This passion was so funny because as a little girl she went out jogging with her family and couldn’t even make it ten minutes before declaring, “I have a heart attack in my leg!” Nicki was also willing to go along for all the Packers, Badgers, Bears, and White Sox parties.

Nicki was truly one of a kind. She changed her hair color and style all the time, yet she was always beautiful in everything she chose. Nicki didn’t read books but could read a fashion magazine for hours on end.

Known for her positive, upbeat, and fun-loving personality, Nicole Gilbert was a blessing to those around her. A stranger to no one, she not only knew everything about her own clients but she knew everyone who came into the salon on a first name basis. Nicki greeted everyone with a “Hey, what’s up,” and she was a friend to everyone she met. A savvy business owner, she was a success because she deeply cared for all who sat in her chair. Nicki loved her family more than anything on this side of heaven, and her devotion to her husband and children was unmatched. Her legacy will be carried on by those who follow her.

Nicole A. “Nicki” Gilbert died on Sunday, September 7, 2014. Nicki’s family includes her husband, George; children, Cole and Sadie; parents, Michael (Marsha) Iggulden; sister, Michelle (Slade) Smith and their children, Shey, Sydney and Saige; mother-in-law and father-in-law, George (Patricia) Gilbert; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Michelle (Larry) Dykes and their children, Delanie and Michaela, Joseph Gilbert and his children, Ronin and Riley, Daniel (Breaa) Gilbert; other relatives and many dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 13, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for an education