Michelle was preceded in death by her beloved paternal and maternal grandparents. She is survived by her devoted husband, Steve; her cherished sons, Jack and Ben; her loving parents, Jerry and Colette; her siblings, Scott, Brian, and Steve (Kim) Miller, and Nicole (Spencer) Medgaarden; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Upon graduating high school, Michelle began her professional journey at Hertz Rental Car at the Minneapolis airport. Among her treasured keepsakes were dozens of customer comment cards praising her kindness, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. Her exceptional service earned her global recognition as Hertz’s Customer Service Agent of the Year, an honor she received personally from then-CEO Frank Olson—a moment she held close to her heart.
Michelle continued her career in the travel industry as a flight attendant, embarking on global adventures that brought countless humorous stories about the people she encountered. She delighted in sharing tales of her time in a Hoboken, NJ crash pad with five other flight attendants, which she often joked could have inspired a sitcom. Along the way, she crossed paths with celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Arnold Palmer, Glen Scott, and Queen Latifah. Later, she transferred to sunny San Diego, where she enjoyed the beauty of Southern California's beaches.
Michelle eventually became the opening general manager for Aveda’s new store in Corte Madera, California—a role she adored. Aveda held a special place in her heart, as the company’s founder, Horst Rechelbacher, had styled her hair for her high school prom—a memory she cherished deeply.
Of all her roles, Michelle was most proud of being a mother to her two incredible boys, Jack and Ben. Her dedication to them was unmatched. She was a room mother for their classes, an active school volunteer, and a supportive presence for teachers, often assisting with grading, reading, and field trips. She made holidays and birthdays extraordinary, baking cookies shaped by her sons’ hands for Christmas and crafting personalized birthday posters. Special meals, like king crab for Ben and beef-on-noodles for Jack, became family traditions.
Michelle was an extraordinary friend, building deep, lasting relationships—some spanning over 30 years. Her generosity, loyalty, and vibrant spirit touched everyone who knew her. She had a unique ability to make people feel special from the moment they met her.
Please join us in celebrating Michelle’s remarkable life on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Wulff Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to her sons’ college fund in Michelle’s name.
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