Rachel Renee Nikula, 41

Rachel was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on May 19, 1982, to her beloved mother, Louann Ranval.  

Growing up in Coeur d'Alene, Rachel cherished her childhood with her sister, Amanda Bastardi, and grandparents Larry and Barbara Ranval. Rachel received her GED from NIC in 1998. She gave birth to her first son, Brandon John Nikula, on Oct. 24, 1999. The following year, Rachel wed John Nikula on Nov. 22, 2000. They welcomed their daughter, Brooklynn Michele Nikula, on Christmas day of that same year. She gave birth to their son, John Michael Nikula III, on July 12, 2003. In 2009, Rachel and her family moved to Post Falls, Idaho, where they welcomed their youngest son, Dominic Edward Nikula, in 2011.  

While she was focused on her responsibilities as a mother of four, Rachel earned her AAS degree from NIC with honors in 2017. She was known for her love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping and hiking. Rachel had a reputation for hosting unforgettable gatherings, whether it was a barbecue or a birthday party. 

Rachel will be deeply missed by her family, including her uncle and aunt, French and Tammy Ranval, her sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Patrick Bastardi, her son, Brandon Nikula, her daughter and son-in-law, Brooklynn and Ryle Campbell, her son, Johnny Nikula, her son, Dominic Nikula, her grandson, Stetson Campbell, her niece, Athena Bastardi, and all her extended family from the Nikula, Anderson and Duthie families. Her many good friends were with her throughout her whole life and will remember her with love and fondness.