Sept. 10, 1952 — June 6, 2019

Nicki Jo Bodjak Wingeart, 66, of Niles, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at her home of natural causes.

She was born on Sept. 10, 1952, in Saint Joseph, to Joseph A. and E. Kathleen (Penwell) Bodjak. She was graduated with the Class of 1970 from Niles High School, and lived in this area most of her life. She was a vocational coach for folks with developmental disabilities, serving for many years at the former Jewish Vocational Services in Detroit (now JVS Human Services), and at the Logan Center in South Bend.

Nicki’s love for people was extended to love for her pets and maintaining a bird feeding station in her yard. She also practiced a “green thumb” in her flower and vegetable gardens. Her interest in nature included fishing and hunting, often at her farm in Cass County, but also on trips throughout the western U.S. Her travels also took her several times to Key West, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Kay Bodjak.

She is survived by a sister, Toni (Fred) Bruegmann, of Niles; a nephew, Kyle Bruegmann; and a great circle of wonderful friends.

The family of Nicki Wingeart will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles. Contributions in memory of Nicki may be made to the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); 424 East 92nd St., New York, New York, 10128-6804; aspca.org. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.