Of Helena, Montana, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on October 20, 1955, in Helena to Mike and Armelda (Phillips) Sassano. Nikki was a lifelong Montanan with deep ties to her community. She graduated from Helena High School and went on to study at Saint Mary College and finished her degree in Finance at Carroll College. Her military service began in 1978 with the US Army, as an administrative specialist at Fort Carson, Colorado. Her career with the Montana Army National Guard began in 1982. She later attended Officer Candidate School in 1984 and was commissioned in 1986. Her dedication to learning continued at the United States Army War College, graduating in 2010, and preparing her for a distinguished career in military service. She held many commands and finished her service as the Garrison Commander of Fort Harrison at the rank of Colonel. Nikki served her country with honor and pride. A true leader, she earned the respect of her peers through her strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service.
A woman of many talents and passions, Nikki’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She fondly hosted family gatherings and everyone was welcome. When surprise guests would show up. She’d say, “we’ll just add another cup of water to the soup”. Her love of family transcended to her garden with multi-generation grape vines and rhubarb. Her garden was a true reflection of the love she had for everyone in her life. She also enjoyed traveling, scrapbooking, and camping. But most of all her universe revolved around her family.
Nikki will be remembered as a loving and giving soul. She attended St. Helena Catholic School and was a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Nikki embodied a life of service through her faith. She volunteered at Good Samaritan, provided a monthly meal to the homeless at God’s Love, volunteered her time with the Cathedral hospitality committee and the bereavement ministry. Nikki continued the family tradition of attending daily Mass and would often take-home vestments and laundry, used during Mass, to wash and press before bringing them back.
Her creativity and adventurous spirit brought beauty and warmth to all who knew her. Nikki is preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Armelda Sassano, sisters Mary Jo Sassano, Julie Sassano Robbins and Husband Joe DeWolf. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, of Helena, Ray and Ashleigh Carlson, her grandchildren: Robert, Wesley, Paul and Nicole Carlson. Her siblings: Jan (Mike Boman) Funston of White Sulphur Springs, Mike (Samantha Allen) Sassano of Whispering Pines, NC, Gina (Mark) Dowdy of Helena, and Pat (Amy) Sassano of Helena. Her nieces and nephews: Ian Anderson, Kristina Robbins, Kacey (Tim) Boyle, Brian Kalgaard, Paul Kalgaard, Alexander Sassano, Angelina Sassano, Madeline Allen, Isabelle Allen, Micheala (Ragen Shein) Dowdy, Connor Dowdy, Josephine (Dylan Nelson) Dowdy, Luke Dowdy, Will Dowdy, Colin (Kyndall Keller) Sassano, Cale Sassano, Cohen Sassano, and numerous great nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.
Nikki will be remembered as a loving and giving soul. She touched the lives of many with her kindness and will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Social Gathering
Following Vigil Service
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Funeral Mass
12:00
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
,
Funeral Reception
Following Graveside service
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Social Gathering
Following Vigil Service
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Funeral Mass
12:00
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
,
Funeral Reception
Following Graveside service
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Share
John Robbins says
You’ll never find a sweeter or kinder person anywhere…
Jan Funston says
I’m sure gonna miss my sister and best friend! So many adventures we had together.
Annett Johnson says
I’m so blessed to have got to know Nikki. She had the most infectious smile and the Heart of Gold. I was able to receive one of her beautiful jewelry crafts and also the day before she got sick she gave me an angel while I was recuperating in the hospital. I will miss you Nikki and I’ll take good care of your sister Jan.
Mike DaSilva says
Nikki we will miss you . . .
Sara ( Margie) Graveley says
Peace and Blessings to all who were fortunate to have been a part of this amazing woman’s life. A huge hole has been left.
Wishing you strength in the coming days months and years without her .
She gave meaning to the words, Service ,Grace and Love of Family .
My deepest sympathies.
Dan McGowan says
My prayers go out to Nikki’s family. Nikki was a jewel. No matter where we ran into each other, there was always time for a hug and some good conversation. I will miss you my friend…RIP.
Pat Nugent says
I was fortunate to work with and know Nikki as a fellow guardsman. Nikki was truly a good partner, friend, and confidante During our many trials and tribulations in the Guard. Not only was she a great professional Soldier and Officer, she was a genuine human being who cared for all of us. Her impact as a Soldier and mentor but especially as a caring human will be missed. RIP Nikki, we will see you later.
Donald Antonietti says
My prayers Go out to Nikki’s family. Was so happy to know Nikki through all my Guard years. She was always there for me when I had a question. She will be truly missed. RIP Nikki.
Jeffrey Lamoreaux says
I remember her smile and very kind demeanor. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and closest friends.
Brandi says
Wonderful wonderful woman! Kindest person in the world!
Staci Ferlicka says
I’m so sorry to hear that Nikki has passed. She was such a kind soul and I always enjoyed visiting with her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family. She will be remembered fondly. God bless. Deepest sympathy, Staci
Teresa Purpuro says
I had many bosses in my career, all the best. But, COL DeWolf was the very best! Thank you, Nikki!! You will be missed. Until we meet again…….
Charles E McLane says
Charlie McLane
Having had the privilege of knowing and working with and for her for several years. She was a great Lady and a fabulous individual. Sorry to have her leave us . She will be missed by those that knew and loved her. God Bless. Ce
John & Cherie Dahl says
Nikki was a friend along with husband Joe from our National Guard days. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. 🙏🇺🇸🙏
Kevin Danz says
We are all heartbroken by the passing of Colonel Nikki DeWolf. It was a true honor to know and work with someone so full of grace, compassion, and quiet strength. Her smile lit up every room, and the kindness and twinkle in her eyes reflected the depth of her soul. Nikki touched so many lives, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Rest easy, Colonel-You were one of a kind!
Colleen Coulter says
Nikki was a special person, a heart of gold and always there for you. I had the privilege of working for her, a fantastic boss and teacher. You will be missed by many friend. Until we meet again.
Dave Conklin says
Nikki you made our world a better place, you reached out and touched us all, and you made us all better people. May the good lord bless and keep you always.
Susan L Hawthorne says
It was a pleasure working with COL DeWolf and Joe. She will be missed by all. May she rest in peace.
Olivia Olimpia Tooley says
Nikki, I will always remember you for your kindness. It was an honor to serve under your command. I feel blessed that we grew from Commander – Jr. Soldier to a warm friendship. I will miss our chats when you would stop by the store. Seeing you always made the day brighter. Rest in peace Dear Friend.
Cathy & Virgil says
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister, Jan. Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you. I met her through some of the AARP neighbor walks and such a sweet lady! I was missing her when we had another session last spring and was hoping she would join again. She absolutely never let on about her big-wig status and was so down to earth! Virgil also knew her from the guard when he was at the Environmental Office and really liked and respected her as well. Cheers to Nikki for a life well lived and for leaving behind many broken hearts.