Nicholas Aaron VanHook

Nicholas Aaron VanHook, age 24, of Rolling Prairie, passed into eternal peace on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Born on August 13, 2001, in LaPorte to William T. “Bill” and Tammy (Peterson) VanHook, Nicholas’s time on earth was far too brief, yet his life was full beyond measure.

He walked gently through this world, leaving behind love, kindness, and a light that will never fade from the hearts of those who knew him. A 2020 graduate of New Prairie High School, Nicholas found his calling beneath open skies. Spending time outdoors brought him joy and purpose, and through his career with Tree Care Plus as an Arborist, he used this love to serve his community and grow an even deeper connection with nature.

Nicholas was defined by his gentle and sensitive spirit. He had a calming presence and a generous heart, offering kindness freely and without condition. He listened more than he spoke, loved deeply, and moved through life with humility and grace. His compassion made others feel seen and valued, and his genuine spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.

He is survived by his loving parents, Bill and Tammy VanHook of Rolling Prairie, whose hearts’ are forever marked by the love of their son; and by his brother, William M. VanHook, his closest confidant and lifelong friend. Nicholas shared a profound and enduring love with his fiancée of five years, Jaclyn Maleckas, the love of his life and his constant companion. Their bond was one of devotion, tenderness, and shared dreams, a love that continues on beyond this life. Their love is a beautiful testament to the warmth and goodness he carried within him. Nicholas lived a life that mattered. One defined by love, kindness, and the deep impression he left on everyone who knew him.

His gentleness was evident in the way he treated others, always leading with compassion, patience, and an open heart. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and safe, and his kindness reached far beyond words; this kindness and care extended to animals as well. Nicholas cherished his four cats, Monty, Maverick, Rusty, and Rambo, and loved to search for and look at insects and amphibians outside, especially frogs and praying mantises.

He would excitedly take photos of wildlife he found and share them with his loved ones. Nicholas is also survived by his maternal Nana and Papa, Harold and Terry Peterson; his uncles, Jonathan VanHook, Brent (Elizabeth) VanHook, and Steve (Sara) Peterson; his great uncle and aunt, Craig and Paula Waltman; and his cousins, Joshua (Kianna) Peterson, Kaitlyn Peterson, Kyle VanHook, Grace VanHook, Matthew VanHook, and Debbie (Leonard) Stanford. He was dearly loved by many great aunts, uncles, and cousins whose lives were brighter for having known him. He was welcomed into heaven by his maternal grandparents, William J. and Ruth VanHook, who now hold him in eternal peace.

Family was the foundation of Nicholas’s world. He cherished his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family, each relationship held with loyalty, warmth, and quiet strength. He shared a special bond with his Nana and Papa, treasuring time spent camping and fishing with them, wrapped in laughter, stories, and love that will echo forever. Their love and guidance shaped who he became. Nicholas found joy in simple blessings; fishing and kayaking (sometimes at the same time), as well as golfing under blue skies, and tending to his plants in the spring and summer. His growing faith, kindness, and gentle love remain a beacon of light, a lighthouse guiding his loved ones through this sea of grief.

Though we grieve in the shadow of his loss, we give thanks for the bright light of his life. Nicholas taught us that gentleness is strength, that love is meant to be held boldly and unapologetically, and that even a short life can leave an everlasting mark.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (CST) on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, LaPorte, Indiana.

A Memorial Service celebrating Nicholas’s life and eternal rest will take place at 11:00 a.m. (CST) on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, Indiana, where family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with final expenses.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or offer words of comfort to Nicholas’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

Message from Mom and Dad: From the moment we first held you, Nicholas, our lives were forever changed. Being your parents was the greatest honor of our lives. You taught us what true kindness looks like; how to love gently, live humbly, and care deeply for others.

Your quiet strength, compassionate heart, and unwavering goodness filled our days with pride and gratitude. Though our hearts ache in your absence, we trust you are at peace, surrounded by God’s perfect love. You will always live on in our prayers, in the stories we share, and in every act of kindness done in your name. Until we are reunited, know that you are loved beyond measure and missed more than words can ever express. Always and forever, our beautiful son Nicholas Aaron.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nicholas Aaron VanHook, please visit our floral store.