Nicole Jean Wane

Nicole Jean Wane

September 20, 1978 – February 15, 2020

On February 15, 2020 Nicole Jean Wane (Nicky) passed away at the age of 41.  Nicky was born on September 20, 1978 in Omaha to Ken and Jody Wane.  Her sister Katie was not yet 4 and brother Andy not yet 2 when the family welcomed Nicky into the world.  Almost exactly one year later Nicky’s brother Joel was born.

As a child she was precocious and inquisitive; reading advanced books for her age.  Books about science, religious history and later astrophysiology were top on her list.  She possessed a sense of awe and wonder about the infinite potential of the universe that carried through to her adulthood.

Nicky’s maternal grandmother, Grandma Marge (Gram), lived with the family and was known by all to dote and spoil Nicky and her siblings.  Growing up, Nicky’s best friend was her cousin Denise whose family lived across the backyard from the Wane’s.  They were largely inseparable unless there was a conflict about Barbie dolls.  Denise and her family remained a huge support system for Nicky throughout her years.

Known for her radiant smile, infectious laugh and generous spirit, she worked in the Omaha restaurant business starting in high school up until she died.  Friends and family alike share stories of her insisting on covering desserts, drinks and sometimes entire bills on a routine basis.  She loved giving back to people in this way.

Nicky was known as a workhorse at the restaurants where she worked.  She had been offered restaurant management positions over the years but declined them.  She shined in her interactions with her customers as a waitress.

She loved fiercely.  She wanted her nephews Connor and Payton and niece Madison (Andy and Maria’s children) to know how much she loved them even though there were periods she didn’t get to see them as often as she would have liked.  She always made sure to tell family how much she loved them. Always.

From a young age she loved animals, particularly our childhood dog Champ, and the two dogs she had as an adult Maggie and Barcelona.  Dogs knew their best lives with Nicky.  She also liked to “share” scraps from the table starting in her childhood with Champ and much to others dismay at times.  She and her longtime significant other Amleht lived in a house in Omaha for much of their adult lives and they both took joy in their dogs.  Amleht was there for Nicky through many ups and downs.

Nicky shared a special bond with her younger brother Joel.  They helped each other through some very difficult times that they each had.  She made several trips out to see her sister and brother-in-law Chad in Tacoma, Washington.  She shared a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world with them and loved to get up into the mountains.

Tragically, Nicky and her family lost her mother unexpectedly 3 1/2 years ago.  That was a turning point for Nicky.  From that point on she routinely expressed the desire to honor her mom by getting sober.  She spent as much time as she could with her dad, siblings, their spouses, nephews, and niece, as well as with her extended family.  She returned home to live with her dad about one year ago.  Nicky was fortunate to have many aunts, uncles, and cousins, many who live locally, who were an amazing support system for her. Fortunately, she also had wonderful support from her godmother Jean Reiner and was able to spend time reconnecting with Jean over the past few years.

Preceded in death by mother, Joelynne “Jody” Wane.  Survived by father, Kenneth Wane; sister, Katie Osvog (Chad), brothers, Andy Wane (Maria) and Joel Wane; nephews, Connor and Payton; and niece, Madison.

Family will receive friends Thursday, February 20^th from 5pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  Memorials are suggested to the Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska substance abuse program or the Nebraska Humane Society.