Ashley Ann Mootz-Nickolai

Ashley Ann Mootz-Nickolai, age 37, of Wausau, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family.  

She was born on April 7, 1985, in Wausau.  Ashley graduated from DC Everest with honors.  She was an excellent student and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2007, from UW Whitewater, graduating magna cum laude.  On June 21, 2008, she married Justin Nickolai in Wausau.  Together they had two sons, Jerrin and Jace.  

In her younger years, Ashley was quite an actress, dancer, and cheerleader.  Her strong will made her very focused and motivated, and she threw herself into whatever she did.  She enjoyed crafting, gardening and being outdoors.  She loved her dogs, especially her constant sidekick, Fancy Ann.    

Survivors include her husband, Justin Nickolai, Wausau; her two sons, Jerrin and Jace; her mom, Debra (Daniel) Zenk of Schofield; father, Steven (Martina) Mootz, Weston; siblings, Breanna Mootz of Mosinee, Danisa Zenk, Schofield, Kyle (Melissa) Zenk of Sun Prairie, Kourtney (Ryan) Fleischhacker of Portage, Paige Van Ooyen of Rothschild, Caden Van Ooyen of Rothschild; grandparents, Janis Mootz of Kronenwetter, Thomas (Wanda) Dain, of Ogdensburg, Joan (Joel Duskey) Eaton of Weston, and Mary Kay Van Ooyen of Pike Lake.  She is further survived by her mother and father-in-law, Jerome (Judith) Nickolai of Birnamwood; three brothers-in-law, Josh (You) Nickolai of Rosholt, Joel Nickolai of CA, and Jorden Nickolai of Merrill; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Barbara and Wesley Everts, LaVern Mootz, William and Jacqueline Zank, and Richard Van Ooyen; her special cousin, Jordan, and niece, Sophia.  

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams St., Wausau.  Rev. Maggie Westaby will officiate.  Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service at the church.  Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, Weston is assisting the family with arrangements.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a future trust for her sons.    

You may leave messages and condolences for her family at brainardfuneral.com.