Erick Vilches Nieto, age 47, of Steamwood, IL, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.  Erick was born in Mexico City on August 26, 1979, to the late Raul Vilches Villanueva and Patricia Nieto Armas.

Erick was an adventurous soul from the time he was little. He loved traveling with his family throughout Mexico and the United States, always ready to experience somewhere new and make memories along the way.

He was the social butterfly of his family and had a gift for making friends wherever he went. That adventurous spirit eventually brought him to Appleton, Wisconsin, in October 2005. What began as a new place soon became his home, and over the years, the many friends he made here became family.

Erick had a playful spirit and rarely took life too seriously. He was the person you wanted around when you needed a smile, a laugh, or simply someone to brighten your day. He was also incredibly selfless and thoughtful, always keeping in touch with friends and family near and far, checking in just to make sure everyone was doing okay.

He enjoyed the simple things that made him happy. Erick loved watching shows like Shameless and could spend hours watching movies in his free time. And when football season came around, there was no question where his loyalty belonged—he proudly cheered for "his" Green Bay Packers and never missed an opportunity to tease friends and family who dared to root for another team.

Toward the end of his life, Erick sometimes felt lonely and wondered whether the people he loved still cared about him. Perhaps one of the most bittersweet comforts now is seeing just how deeply loved he truly was.

The stories, messages, memories, laughter, and love shared by so many people are a beautiful reminder that Erick left a piece of himself everywhere he went. He lived in the hearts of the people who knew him then, he lives in our hearts today, and he will continue to live there long after this goodbye.

For that, his mother and sister are forever grateful to every single person who loved him, laughed with him, checked on him, shared a memory with him, or simply had the privilege of calling him a friend.

Erick may have wondered whether he was remembered and loved. We only wish he could see now just how impossible he will be to forget.

He is survived by his mother Patricia Nieto Armas; sister Diana Vilches Nieto; brother-in-law Michael; nephew Tarik, and his nieces Riley and Madelyn.

He was preceded in death by his father Raul Vilches Villanueva.

A funeral service will take place at 3 pm on Thursday, September 3, at the Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel.  Friends may visit at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 1 pm to 2:45 pm.