Holly (Niclai) Theuerkauf, 58, of Eureka, passed peacefully away on Friday, November 18th, 2022. She was surrounded by family and the compassionate and expert care from the team at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House when she passed.

Holly Niclai was born on Christmas Day, 1963. She was a joyous gift to her parents and the third of fourchildren. Although born in Carbondale, Illinois, the Niclai family moved to Arcata in 1964, when Dick accepted the head basketball coaching position at Humboldt State College (now Cal Poly Humboldt). Holly remained in Humboldt County until called to her forever home.

After graduating from Arcata High School, 1982, Holly worked as a dental assistant, and in the healthcare field, and lastly, as a courier (and so much more) for Humboldt Land Title, but her highest fulfillment came from being a mom. Motherhood brought Holly great joy but also deep sadness and loss when her youngest daughter, Heather, died before her third birthday, due to complications of her Hydrocephaly, 1994. Recognizing light in dark places, finding moments of joy when surrounded by heartbreak, and summoning the courage to endure, became Holly’s defining attributes for the rest of her life. She had a beautiful spirit of hope based on her faith and knowledge of God’s neverending grace and goodness.

Holly’s sparkling smile, laugh, and quick wit made her a joy to be around, and every room brightened when she entered! Co-workers, hospital staff, and even hospital roommates have all commented that Holly delivered light and fun with every connection. Holly loved spending time outdoors and she found her deepest peace enjoying time in nature. From rounds golf with her dad (where they both shared a hole-in-one at Beau Pre), to creating contemplative gardens at all of her homes, Holly cultivated beauty in her surroundings. Wether walking beaches, jetties, and lagoons, weekend camping trips, or day long drives exploring Humboldt’s redwood forests, rivers, and coastal mountains, Holly was always searching for where the sun was shining. Most often, these adventures ended with nighttime firepits where the sparks rose to meet the starry skies above.

Holly is survived by her husband, Ross Theuerkauf, and step-son, Kyle; her daughter Michelle (Laurendeau) Barnes and 2 grandchildren, Emma & Lincoln Barnes; step-daughters Kellie Shaner, Brandie Shaner, and Brooke Ponte; Holly’s 3 siblings Matt Niclai, Andie (Niclai) Ullsmith, and Julie (Niclai) Bills, and too many nieces and nephews to count as they all claim to be her “favorite.”

Sadly, Holly was predeceased by her daughter, Heather Shaner, her parents Richard (Dick) and Jan Niclai, and former husbands, Mike Laurendeau and Paul Shaner.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shen and the nursing team at St. Joseph, especially the Palliative Care Team at St. Joeseph, led by Danika McCartney, and Dr. Bruce Nelson, as well as the Hospice of Humboldt care team, speciically nurses Simone & Matt for their sincere concern, honest communication, and extraordinary efforts to care for Holly.

A celebration of life service will be held in Holly’s honor at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 3, at Lutheran Church of Arcata (151 E 16th St., Arcata). All who knew Holly, or the family, are invited to attend.

Holly’s family wishes to deeply thank all who have offered their support, prayers, and friendship during this time of grief, especially the Real Estate community, who have become part of the extended family.

Those wishing to make a donation as a way to continue spreading light in Holly’s honor, please consider giving to the Hospice House of Humboldt or Lutheran Church of Arcata.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Holly Theuerkauf loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.