Nicole Marie (Lockwood) Jonutz

Nicole Marie (Lockwood) Jonutz 39, of Maple Park, IL passed away unexpectedly surrounded by loved ones on Saturday May 20, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.  She was born August 16, 1983, in DeKalb and was the daughter of Gaylord N. Lockwood Jr. and Kathleen M. Yamber.

She graduated from Kaneland High School and Cosmetology school in 2002.  She married Rich Jonutz II in Tampa, FL on March 19, 2011.

A beautiful soul gone too soon.  Nicole was a cosmetologist, photographer, farmer and most importantly, a stay-at-home mother of two amazing daughters MaKayla and Madeline. Nicole grew up on a dairy farm which is where her love for animals came from. She had 109 chickens, 2 horses, 4 goats, 3 dogs, and 20 cows she cared for daily on top of helping any animal in need. Her animals brought her pure joy.

In 2016, photography became a hobby which turned into a passion. Her camera was always ready whether it be the moon, a sunrise/sunset, birthdays, graduations, weddings, newborn/family photos or a mini shoot of her animals. She was most proud where her photos made magazines or when Tom Skilling from WGN Weather displayed her talent on television. She also took great pride in her work as a cosmetologist for Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb since 2006 where she became like family.

Her two greatest accomplishments were her two daughters whom she showered with love. She was a hands-on mom who was very much involved in travel softball, preschool events, and making sure the girls knew what it was like growing up on a farm. She loved planting flowers, tending her garden, mowing her lawn and sneaking home more chickens.

She had a spit fire personality and wasn't afraid to let her opinion be known whether you liked it or not. She was loved by many and often displayed acts of kindness throughout her life including the greatest gift of organ and tissue donation through Gift of Hope.

Survivors include; Her husband Rich Jonutz II, two daughters; MaKayla (13) and Madeline (5), mother; Kathleen M. Yamber, father; Gaylord N. Lockwood Jr., sister; Megan (Bruno Avila) Lockwood, father-in-law; Rich Jonutz Sr. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Paul and Barbara Yamber and Gaylord Lockwood Sr. and Joyce Lucille Kelley.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday June 2, 2023, from 3:00pm-6:00pm at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 6:00pm at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb with Pastor Janet Hunt officiating. Memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.