Nicole "Nikki" (Lyon) Schultz

Surrounded by her loving family in the care of Quiet Oaks Hospice, Nicole Jean (Lyon) Schultz entered eternal life on Saturday January 3, 2026. Now rejoicing with the angels and reunited with her daughter Malayna she is at peace in arms of Jesus.

Services for Nikki includes a visitation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Opole on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Christian Women will pray the rosary at 4:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, a visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1303 Broadway St. in Winona, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Fr. Russell Scepaniak will preside. The Mass will be live streamed and can be viewed at www.stmaryswinona.org. A private family burial will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Moses Dane Cemetery in Burtrum, MN.

Nikki was born in St. Cloud, MN on February 26, 1984, to Cathrine (Rahn) and Joseph Lyon. She was welcomed home by her big brother Chris who grew to be her fiercest defender, trusted confidant and best friend. She attended elementary and high school in Holdingford graduating with honors in 2002. While in high school, she excelled in both academics and athletics, playing volleyball, basketball, softball, and securing lifelong treasured friendships. Nikki attended Winona State College earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She furthered her education by achieving her Master of Science in Education. She was a teacher at heart who truly inspired her students to become their best selves. She taught at Wabasha Public Schools in Special Education and coached volleyball. They won the Volleyball State Championship in 2010. Recently, she taught physical and special education at Rushford-Peterson and was the head volleyball coach for 10 years. We can only imagine how many of her students were touched by her guidance and generous spirit.

Nikki met the love of her life, Scott Schultz during her college years in Winona at a softball game. They were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Opole, MN on August 4, 2012. They shared an active life in Winona with friends and co-workers. They received their greatest blessings with the birth of their son Beckett Joseph in 2019 and daughter Malayna Rose in 2023. Being a wife to Scott and mother to Beckett and Malayna filled Nikki’s life and heart with joy and gratitude.

Nikki’s faith was very important to her and sustained her throughout her life. She often expressed gratitude to her parents and family for guiding her way and learning to trust in God’s plan for her life. She will be remembered for her love of family, an impeccable work ethic, a treasured friend and a model of a life well lived. She loved playing rec volleyball and softball. She was compassionate and caring. Nikki was driven and excelled at anything she put her mind to. She was no stranger to hard work and wanted to help in any way possible. She believed in doing things right and completing what you started. Her willingness to work and play hard were her hallmarks. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and infectious personality.

Nikki is survived by her husband Scott and son Beckett, her parents Joe and Cathy Lyon, her brother Chris, his wife Hanni and their children, Zerl, Zaiden, and Ezmae Lyon who claim her to be “the best Auntie ever”. She is also survived by her grandfather Ken Rahn, her mother-in-law Rose Schultz and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and treasured friends.

She was preceded death by her daughter Malayna Rose in 2023, her paternal grandparents Sid and Rita Lyon and maternal grandmother Joan Rahn.

Memorials are preferred and/or donations to Quiet Oaks Hospice House, 5537 Galaxy Rd. St. Cloud, MN 56301. quietoakshospicehouse.org/donate/

The family wishes to thank the communities of Rushford-Peterson, Holdingford, and Winona for their unwavering support and care.