The world lost a bit of its music, magic, and mischief on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, when Nicole Rae Marks-Eckberg, age 41, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. Though her time here was far too short, her impact was immeasurable, and her spirit continues to echo in the lives she touched.

From the start, Nicole lived life in surround sound. A gifted musician, she began playing the cello and piano as a child, later falling in love with the guitar—and she could sing like nobody’s business. Her voice—powerful, soulful, unmistakably hers—filled hearts, lit up karaoke nights, and often could be heard from the kitchen while she whipped up something incredible (and usually a little spicy). She was equal parts elegance and chaos: brilliant, magnetic, hilariously clumsy, and utterly unforgettable.

Nicole was the life of the party—and more often than not, the host of it too. Her home was where everyone gathered, where laughter was loud, wine was poured, food was shared, and no one ever felt like a stranger. With a heart big enough to hold everyone she loved (and she loved deeply), Nicole was everyone’s friend, a born connector, and the kind of person who could turn a Tuesday into a celebration.

She was wildly intelligent, holding multiple degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside and Northwestern University, and was charging full speed ahead toward her law degree—because, of course, one life path simply wasn’t enough for someone with a mind and drive like hers. A true creative, Nicole was also a gifted writer, a published poet at the age of 17, and a passionate thespian who brought stories to life with the same boldness and heart she brought to everything else she did.

Nicole is survived by her beloved husband and partner-in-crime, Dustin Eckberg; her extraordinary son, who has inherited his mom’s larger than life personality, Zion Marks-Eckberg; her devoted and proud parents, Willie and Joycette (Rogers) Marks; her vibrant and fiercely loving sister, Shamice (Rogers) Roberts; her beautiful niece who was more like a baby sister, Lauren Ashley (Rogers) Baldwin; and her life-long best good friend and co-conspirator, Sarah (Vines) Meyer. She also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends, chosen family, and kindred spirits who are still trying to figure out how to live in a world without her daily texts, her wild stories, or her perfect playlist.

Nicole would want us to cry (briefly), laugh (loudly), and love (wildly). She’d want you to throw a party in her honor, wear something that makes you feel fabulous, play your favorite song way too loud, and dance—even if you trip over your own feet like she so often did.

Her story isn’t over—it lives on in the songs she sang, the meals she made, the people she loved, and the joy she spread like confetti.

All are welcome to attend and help us honor her memory.

In tribute to Nicole’s vibrant spirit and her love of bold colors and patterns (especially red, her favorite), guests are encouraged to wear something that reflects her colorful personality.