Nichole “Nikki” Grenz

Nichole “Nikki” Grenz, 45, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 2, 2026. Nichole Marie Eckert was born April 13, 1981, in Fargo, ND, to Roger S. Eckert and Jackie (Buchfink) Eckert. She was raised in Fargo, North Dakota, graduating from Fargo North High School in 1999. While attending elementary and middle school, she played the viola and the flute as well as playing volleyball. Nikki met Derrick Grenz in spring/summer of 1997. They dated for 10 years before uniting in marriage on October 27, 2007 at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. They bought a house in Fargo, ND and welcomed two children, Ella and Ethan. In 2016, they built a home in Sabin, MN. Nikki worked at Taco John’s and Extreme Pizza prior to starting her career with PepsiCo. She built an exceptional career spanning more than 23 years in service to PepsiCo and its associates. Beginning as a Tel-Sell Agent with Pepsi Americas in 2003, she quickly earned a reputation for her dedication, operational expertise, and ability to build strong relationships. From Delivery Coordinator to Sales QA Senior Associate and ultimately Sales QA Manager, Nikki’s leadership and passion for supporting others left a lasting impact on the teams she served. She continued her PepsiCo journey through Cognizant from 2016 to 2025 and most recently through Infosys beginning in December 2025. Nikki will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for her kindness, mentorship, and the genuine connections she made throughout her career. In 2021, Nikki was awarded the ND National Guard Legendary award for her service as a Key spouse. Nikki proudly served as an Air Force Key Support Liaison (formerly known as a Key Spouse). Appointed directly by the 119th Civil Engineering Commander, Nikki acted as a vital bridge of care, resources, and communication between military leadership and squadron families. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges of military life, Nikki walked alongside families during deployments and transitions, offering peer-to-peer support, local resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Nikki’s legacy of service ensured that no family in the unit ever had to navigate the military journey alone. Nikki’s pride and joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was an amazing mother to her children, loved unconditionally, and supported her kids in all activities in life. She loved to puzzle, read history surrounding 9/11 and World War II. She loved to watch her favorite shows which consisted of NCIS, MacGyver, Bones, Bull, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, along with trips to Sturgis, and concerts with family & friends. Nikki started playing golf with Derrick on several occasions and of course her most enjoyable hobby was shopping. She was on the Stewardship Committee at Trinity Lutheran Church for the last 2 years, where she actively supported Sabin Harvest Days, Trinity Meatball Dinner, prepping meals for others, and so much more. Nikki’s bubbly personality always lit up the room when she walked in. She loved to travel with family and friends. Adventures included trips to Las Vegas (she loved those penny slots, whether in Vegas, or Deadwood), and especially the trips with her family to Disney World, Medora, and their memorable weeklong cruise, where the kids learned to like calamari, hangout on the ship and see the sites of 5 different countries. There were so many more places Nikki wanted to go and experience in the US, Europe, Asia or other beach locations in the world. Nikki loved any holiday, but especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She loved decorating, baking, and spreading cheer to others. Nikki is survived by her husband, Derrick Grenz; their children, Ella Grenz and Ethan Grenz; mother and stepfather, Jackie (Dan) Whiting of Bemidji, MN; father and stepmother, Roger (Shar) Eckert of West Fargo, ND, one sister, Cassie (Robbie) Holthusen of Horace, ND; mother and father-in-law, Sandy (Denny) Grenz of Georgetown, TX; sister-in-law, Staci Grenz of Fargo, ND, brother-in-law, Scott Grenz of Fargo, ND; grandmother, Bettie Buchfink of Fargo, ND; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; and the beloved family dog, “Oreo”. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilma (Glenn Sr.) Eckert; LaRue Buchfink; one uncle, Robert Eckert; one aunt, Trudy Buchfink; and her family fur babies, “Gizmo” and “Finn”. Visitation for Nikki will be held Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 4PM-5:30PM, with a 5:30PM Prayer Service in Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN. Funeral services will be Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN. Online memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.korsmofuneralservice.com/obituaries/nichole-grenz