Renee (Lenstra) Nicholas, 57, of Reno, Nevada, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Renee was born in Dubuque on June 24, 1963, daughter of Robert and Mary Lou (Leytem) Lenstra.

She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and earned her Associates in Physical Therapy in Austin, Texas.

In 1985 she married the love of her life, Robert Nicholas.

Renee was always one to seize opportunity. In the early years of their marriage, she and her husband moved to Colorado where she fell in love with the Rockies. Nine years later she and her family moved to Reno, Nevada and explored a new set of adventures in the western United States.

Renee enjoyed working with her physical therapy patients in the early years of her healthcare career. In 2002, her career broadened when she earned the designation of registered nurse. She faithfully served in this capacity for the next 18 years. Her most recent position was as an RN for the Reno Veteran Affairs Hospital, where she was a compassionate, committed caregiver to the veterans.

Renee was a devoted wife and loving mother. She loved being outside and active, whether she was RV’ing, hiking or working in her yard. She prided herself on building a warm and welcoming home and she loved sharing it with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed bringing people together around a meal, and all were welcome.

Renee was the rock of her family.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her daughters, Elizabeth and Marissa Nicholas all of Reno, Nevada; and her brothers Larry Lenstra of Waco, Texas and Michael (Laurie) Lenstra of Dubuque, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family plans to lovingly honor and celebrate her life when a service can be safely scheduled in 2021.