LEDGEVIEW, WI (WTAQ) – Family and friends are remembering the life of Nikki VanderHeyden of Ledgeview.
The 31-year-old’s body was found Saturday in a field in Bellevue.
Friend Tiffany Hoffman says she remembers when she first heard the news.
“I myself, just started shaking and fell to the ground in disbelief because anybody is not prepared to get news like that.”
Hoffman had been friends with VanderHeyden for five years. During that time they had been neighbors at one point and their kids attended school together at Webster Elementary.
There were many things that Hoffman remembers about her friend but one thing stands out more than others.
“She would always try to take something negative or where somebody might, you know, grapple with thoughts of ‘wow this really kind of stinks in life’ and she would always try to find the positive in it.”
Hoffman says VanderHeyden’s three children are staying with family and are adjusting as well as they can.
Two funds have been set up in VanderHeyden’s memory that will help with funeral expenses and provide support for her children.
You can donate at www.gofundme.com or www.generosity.com.