Nichole Auldridge

On March 11, 2026, Nichole Auldridge of Fergus Falls, at age 55 passed away at Browns Valley Health Center, after battling end stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for 10 years. Nichole spent a majority of her life battling ovarian cancer and then breast cancer, before becoming ill in 2015. In her final days her children came together to support each other while saying their goodbyes and holding her hand. Her close friend/sister/neighbor, Kristi Lehn was there to offer comfort, guidance, and love. Pastor Pat Schubert was there praying for her when she took her last breath, when her children could not be there. Nichole would not have wanted her children there for that, always telling her daughter to "get home to her babies, and make sure they are taken care of." Her daughters and son were able to accompany her in person or spirit, on one last "road trip", ensuring the family's bond and traditions. Each vehicle played music that Nichole loved for the entire ride.

Nichole is survived in life by her brothers Allen Auldridge and Roy Auldridge Jr., Stepdaughter- Inlaw, 3 children with their spouses and two grandchildren that she raised, she also had 11 other grandchildren.

Virginia Gonzales, Chasity Whitlock (38) & Anthony Whitlock, Micheal Gonzales (36) & Mary Gonzales, Courtney Sifuentes (35) & Alex Sifuentes, Alexander Davis (19), Jazmine Davis (18).

Grandchildren; Ezekiel (Lynn), Sam, Mason, Hunter-Jay, Nicholas, Logan, Malachi, Damon, Erin, Gordon, and Graysen.

She leaves her children and grandchildren in the charge of her mother Brenda Helmke and her sister Ellen Helmke.

She is preceded in death by her father Robert Helmke, sister Tina Auldridge, brother from another mother James Ham, stepson Ruben Gonzales Jr., family friend/mentor Bill Hughes Jr., bonus parents Nanny and Pop Vodron, and fur family members Kya and Bear.

Nichole was born in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, but spent most of her life living in New Braunfels, Texas, where she was taken in and adopted by her parents Brenda Helmke and Robert Helmke as a teenager.

Nichole was an amazingly strong, kind, and generous person, with a bit more than a pinch of spice and stubbornness thrown in the mix. She filled the lives of her children and grandchildren with memories of road trips, and experiences that some can only imagine. She was never one to back down when faced with life's many challenges, from being a survivor of domestic abuse during childhood and adulthood, to battling and winning against cancer. She passed down her strength and resilience to her children. As a grandmother she was fierce in her love - protective, devoted, and always ready to stand beside them through anything life placed in their path. She taught two of her grandchildren to speak even when doctors said they would never.

Nichole had a way of always providing comfort to those who needed it and making sure everyone felt accepted and validated. She would go toe to toe, to ensure someone's beliefs were protected to the best of her ability. She offered her home and family to those who needed a safe place to stay, rest, or even to vent. Guests were always welcomed with coffee (anytime of day), and hot meals. She continued this after moving to the Browns Valley Health Center, where she was baptized and created many friendships, supported staff by helping with small jobs, and lending her ear to everyone who needed it.

Her family at this time is planning a celebration of life but has not established time or date at this time. There will be a memorial put together at the Browns Valley Health Center as well for her friends to remember and celebrate their time that they had with her, further information to come.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com