Nicole L. "Nikki" Duranceau

Nicole "Nikki" (Kops) Duranceau of New London, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 10, 2025, at the age of 41.
Nikki was born on August 24, 1984, in Marshfield, WI, the daughter of Bradley (Caryl) Kops and the late Kathleen Kops. Growing up, she was a proud daddy's girl who loved spending time on the family farm. She was a fiercely protective big sister, always caring for her siblings as if they were her own. Independent and a bit rebellious in her youth, Nikki's strong will helped shape the confident, determined woman she became.
She began high school in Colby, WI, and graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 2002. Over the years, she pursued various educational paths, ultimately earning a degree in Business Management from Northcentral Technical College.
Nikki explored many career paths before finding her true calling in banking, where she worked for the last ten years of her life. Her final workplace was First State Bank in New London, WI.
Those who knew Nikki will remember her for her confidence, her contagious energy, and her unwavering determination. She lived life boldly and spoke her mind with honesty and heart. Even throughout her battle with cancer, Nikki showed incredible strength; often worrying more about how her illness affected others than about herself. She found joy and purpose in helping others, spending her time making wreaths and baskets for local benefit events, and caring selflessly for her grandmothers and for Justin's family when needed.
Nikki loved life and embraced every opportunity to celebrate. She was the life of the party; always singing karaoke, dancing, and encouraging everyone around her to join in the fun. She adored the holidays and decorated proudly for each one, especially with her collection of festive flags. She also loved giving gifts, always finding the perfect way to make others feel special.
Nikki was rarely without her camera phone in hand. There wasn't an event where she wasn't gathering people for a group photo or selfie; she loved capturing memories and the people she loved most. She found pure joy in parades and any occasion that brought loved ones together.
One of her greatest joys was riding on the back of the motorcycle with Justin. Together they traveled all over Wisconsin and into Upper Michigan, taking in the beauty of the open road and the adventures they shared along the way.
At home, Nikki was just as dedicated. She was organized, tidy, and always kept her home warm, welcoming, and well cared for; a true reflection of the pride she took in everything she did.
She also loved the outdoors; camping with friends, relaxing by the fire, and spending time "up north" at the family cabin, a place that brought her peace and countless happy memories. She was drawn to the water in every form, from the quiet lakes up north to the waves of the ocean. As a family, they took many trips to the beach, where she was always happiest with her feet in the sand and the sound of the water nearby. Her final resting place will be up at the cabin she loved so dearly.
Above all, Nikki's greatest joy was being a mom. Her daughters, Gracie and Olivia, were her world. She was deeply involved in their lives; driving them to activities, cheering them on at games, and opening her home to all their friends.
Nikki is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Justin Duranceau, and their daughters Gracie and Olivia; her father Bradley (Caryl) Kops; her sisters Brittany (Travis) Schuh and Samantha (Andrew) Hopkins; and her brother Taylor Kops. She is further survived by her beloved aunt and godmother, Amy Fox, mother-in-law Cindy (Darryl) Steen, step-mother-in-law Earleen Duranceau, numerous brothers- and sisters-in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her mother Kathy Kops, father-in-law Andy Duranceau and grandparents James and Donnie Smith and Gerald and Evelyn Kops.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Per Nikki's wishes, no funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be held at Frickin A Bar & Grill in Dorchester, WI on December 6th starting at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Just Jess Foundation in Nikki's memory
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