Obituary
Chasta Nicole Riniker
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Chasta Nicole Riniker, 53, of La Crosse, on May 24, 2025. Chasta passed away peacefully at the hospital, surrounded by her family.
Born on February 5, 1972, in La Crosse, Chasta was the beloved daughter of Ray Riniker and Pamela Wolfert. From a young age, Chasta lived life with fierce independence, a spirited laugh, and a deep love for the outdoors. She was happiest in the sunshine—she lived for summer and made it known that she hated being cold. Whether swimming, boating, hiking, or sitting around a campfire, she was always chasing the warmth and joy of nature.
As a child, Chasta’s adventurous spirit often showed up while riding, with her brother, in dad’s Super Bee yelling, “Go faster, Dad!”—a moment that perfectly captured her love for freedom and fun. She also had a special place in her heart for elephants, collecting a cherished array of elephant figurines, artwork, and stuffed animals throughout her life.
Chasta brought her creativity and work ethic to many jobs over the years. She was a talented painter with an eye for detail and also worked as a bartender, where her quick wit and bold personality could shine. Most recently, she found joy in her role as a Doordasher—working solo and late into the night suited her perfectly as a proud night owl.
Chasta is survived by her mother and stepfather, Pamela and Roger Wolfert; her stepmother, Dana Riniker; her son, Cody Morris; daughter, Cora Mickelson; granddaughter, Kinzley Morris, and her partner Dennis Mickelson. She is also survived by her siblings Steve (Kari) Riniker and Adrian (Ben) Kolpitcke and Dennis’ children—Mindy, Mandy, and Nate Mickelson and their families, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever miss her laugh, her fire, and her feisty spirit.
She was predeceased by her father, Ray Riniker; her paternal grandparents, Ray and Charlotte Riniker; and her maternal grandparents, Charlie and Helen Riek.
A celebration of Chasta’s life will be held at a later date.
Condolonces may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
I will always remember Chasta eyes. She had beautiful eyes that went with her beautiful personality. I will truly miss you Chasta. Love you always cuz ❤️❤️
I will miss when she said stop slamming the door I will miss you always and forever love you so much.
Her loud laugh will forever be heard, RIP dear friend 🥰🙏☀️
I want to send my deepest sympathies to Chastas family and friends, Chasta certainly was one of a kind, she definitely was a force to reckon with and wouldn’t take any shit from know one, Chasta was one of my closest friends when we were young I remember all the happy times sad times and even crazier times. When I heard the news about Chasta I couldn’t help but remember when I had my daughter Danielle, Chasta was with me the entire time and I truly thank you for that. Chasta you will be missed by many and I hope you are able to be your beautiful self on the other side. Until we meet again,rest in peace Chasta ❤️
I am so sorry to family and friends of Chasta. Chasta spent many times at our house. She was a friend of my daughter Tricia (Neumann) Chasta’s son Cody and Tricia’s daughter Danielle were about the same age and played together as toddlers.
I am so sorry for the loss of her beautiful and fierce soul. I haven’t seen Chasta in many years now since I moved from La Crosse. I sure am sad about that.
She and my brother Greg were high school sweethearts. I thought of her like a sister back then.
I would see her here and there thru the years and was always ecstatic when I would. She could light up a room in a big way. She was a force to be reckoned with but also had a kind soul and she could be so funny ! I loved her laugh… I will never forget her.
Condolences to her children, family and friends.
RIP Wild One. ♥
Chasta I will always remember when we went to see foreigner and then stayed and gamble the night and seeing the commodores in the dells.I remember years past seeing her in hillside bar and thought someday I’ve got to talk to her and fate had her hook up with Dennis who is a good friend of mine. There were weekend nights Chastax and I would stay up all night and enjoy each other’s company in many goofy ways. She has and always will have a place in my heart forever.Hope to meet her again in another life time. You can’t find a friend like her very often.
I want to tell Chastas family how truly sorry I am. Chasta was one of my closest friends, I don’t think there was a time when together that we didn’t find something that would send us into hysterical laughter. we laughed for hours when someone told us about killer geese. we once dressed up In blow up dinosaur costumes and it wasn’t Halloween and walked over to a friend’s house laughing uncontrollably. Chasta was a good friend, a good mother a good person. I find it hard to use past tense, because as im sure for all of you as it is myself, I still haven’t accepted this new reality. I just wanted to share a couple stories with you all and let you know how loved she is. I also want to share my gratitude for allowing me to sit with and hold her hand, that last night. I will forever be grateful for that time with her. Thank you and My deepest sympathy
Shannon Shawley Paludi
So sorry for your loss..
Sheila Schneider
All your friends will cherish the time we spent with you.
Your smile and personality will be missed.
You will always be remembered.
Deepest condolences,
Steve Javner