Passed away Aug. 30, 2022, surrounded by her family,
after a valiant fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Michele was born Sept. 15, 1962, in Livonia, MI. She was adopted shortly after birth by Ted and Judy (Darga) Giguere and grew up in Detroit where she graduated from Bishop Borgess High School in 1980. Michele married Bob Missel on Aug. 14, 1982, in Westland, Michigan. They moved to Fremont in 1983 to help Bob's grandparents, Gerald and Marie Sampter, with their clothing business. While they only planned to stay for a year, they made Fremont their home.
Michele devoted her life to her family and to helping as many other people, especially youth, as she could. After her two daughters were born, Michele started college at Metro Community College, while working part-time as a social worker for the state of Nebraska. She continued her studies while her girls grew up, and received her associate degree from Metro, a bachelor's degree in social work from Dana College, and in 2002, she received a master's degree in social work from University of Nebraska Omaha.
Michele was a licensed independent clinical social worker serving the Dodge County Courts and individuals and families. She also served as an adjunct sociology professor at Metro Community College and Midland University, and a Yogalates and swim aerobics instructor at the Fremont YMCA.
She touched many lives through her support of CASA of the Midlands, Jefferson House, Royal Family Kids Camp, Care Corps, John C. Fremont Days, Fremont Area Art Association, and Dodge County Historical Society.
Michele is survived by her husband, Bob, of Fremont; daughters Megan (Josh) Nuttelman of Frisco, CO; Jen (Paul) McKearney of Omaha; brother, Tom Giguere, sister, Sue Gornowicz, and stepfather Harley Faxon, all of Michigan; stepmother, Nancy Giguere of Tennessee; mother-in-law, Nanette Missel of Fremont; brother-in-law, Hank (Leslie) Missel of Washington, brother-in-law Fred (Debbie) Missel of Oklahoma; and three grandchildren, Asher and Addison Nuttelman and Molly McKearney.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Judy Faxon, father, Ted Giguere, brother, Paul Giguere, and father-in-law, Henry Missel.
The memorial service will be 10:30am, Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Fremont First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. There is no viewing, but the family will receive friends Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Education, teaching, and youth were Michele's passion. In her memory the family has created the Michele Missel Scholarship at Metro Community College. If you'd like to make a gift toward this scholarship, please make checks payable to MCC Foundation and put the scholarship name in the memo line. Another organization important to Michele was Casa of the Midlands, please make checks payable to Casa of the Midlands.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(28)
Kathryn McMorrow (aka KAM or Kammie)
Napa, CA Thursday, October 6, 2022 Michele, one of my oldest and closest friends, I will miss you always. I am struck that your battle with AL fell right in the middle of our birthdays. Martine and I were reminiscing together in mid August about our friendships and intersects. I failed to tell her about your email in mid January where you told me you were in hospital since Christmas Eve. I hoped not hearing back from you or Bob when I responded to email, phone and text, it was just a tragic mistake or hack email. My own husbands health failed further with CKF around the same time.When my father died unexpectedly in 1975, I ran to find you babysitting just to gain a sense of reality. We were both strong and there for each other. I love you always and I am sending prayers to support your family.
To think we were best buds like sisters in each others homes since we were nine until I moved to California. Did our friendship end, no! I still remember your descriptive on giving birth, 30 hours of pushing out a basketball, LOL. I met Bob in LV when we last caught up in person and was so grateful he came into your life.
During COVID you were so excited to have a new grandbaby on the way...you were always meant for children and family. In the midst of that, you were a rock to me as Ernie and I sold his beloved home in Napa, went through multiple myeloma ( which of course your mom had as well).
We vacationed together, kept our most private secrets, raided each others kitchens and split our homework assignments; and of course got into a host of trouble and tried to show a 'what me' attitude. We always meant well.
I was so touched when I listened to the memorial and saw the girls all grown up (you and Bob did great).
One of the last direct visits we had was when I visited my brother and came to see your mom and Harvey as you were also home to visit for a winter visit -- your mom said I was in time for breakfast, what did I want? The next thing I knew she said, her is the kitchen, your know how find things. Family to the end.
Kassie Hager
FREMONT, NE Thursday, September 15, 2022 Many condolences and prayers for her familyGeorge and Linda Gottschall
Lincoln, NE Friday, September 9, 2022 Bob and family Linda and I just want you to know we care and send our sympathies and prayers.William Gibson
Fremont, NE Friday, September 9, 2022 Bob I was deeply sorrowed by the news of Michele's passing as I was when I first heard of her diagnosis, this last year has rock the foundations of faith and stability it though in these times that we must all hold strong tuo our faith and realize our dependence on the saving grace of our lord.Michele demonstrated that faith through her exceptional compassion for the future generations.she has fittingly gained that which she has received through grace and love Christ has gather her to his side. Love and prayers from Margaret and William GibsonLibby Vance
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 8, 2022 Our deepest sympathy to your family. May all your memories bring peace and comfort . Fondly, Bob and LibbyJune Chase-Westphal
Fremont, NE Wednesday, September 7, 2022 Bob and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Michelle. She was a bright spot in a very gray world. Her smile was infectious for all who knew her. She had a sparkling personality and I am sorry I didn't see her more often. She was a fun person and we all loved to get together for our "Sanity Seekers" girls weekends. She kept us laughing. You are in my thoughts and prayers and God bless your family. Cherish all your happy memories.June Chase-Westphal
Joanne Darga
Westland, MI Tuesday, September 6, 2022 As her Aunt, I had the honor and joy of knowing Michele since the day they brought her home from the hospital. Our families were very close, sharing every holiday and birthday celebration. So many memories! We missed Michele and Bob when they moved away from Michigan but Michele often visited and kept in touch. She was an amazing, vibrant woman. A heartbreaking loss for our whole family and for the world!Kevin & Betsy Hulett
Bennington, NE Tuesday, September 6, 2022 May you find comfort and peace in all the memories of special times shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.C.J. Cusick
Fremont, NE Monday, September 5, 2022 It was my pleasure to be Michelle's instructor in one of her very first classes at Metropolitan Community College, it was my joy to watch her grow as a person and in her career, it was my great fortune to call her a friend. Hearts break when there is so much love in them. I will always keep her close in my heart. Social workers rock and she exemplified this in all aspects of her life.Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Sunday, September 4, 2022 Missel Family,I met Michele in a water class at the Y. She sparkled with energy & that beautiful smile.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She was devoted to assisting people in this world. What a career.
May you share special memories of Michele to help you smile.
Sincerely,
Eileen Thornburg
Abbie Warren
Omaha, Sunday, September 4, 2022 Oh Jennie, I’m so sorry to hear this! Thinking of you and your family.Leslie Schlecht
Fremont, NE Friday, September 2, 2022 Bob and family- my heartfelt condolences to to you. Michele was such a bright light in this world. She has touched so many lives and I will never forget her compassion, humor and zest for life. Some of my best days were spent with her at HHS. She will be in my heart always. God Bless you all.Connie Green
Blair, NE Friday, September 2, 2022 Bob, I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers.Dianne Vyhlidal
Fremont, NE Friday, September 2, 2022 Bob and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in letting the Lord embrace during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories help you to find peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rich and Dianne Vyhlidal.Cloyd and Shirley Callaway
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 Bob, We were so sorry to read of Michele's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.Cloyd and Shirley
Brenda Brokenicky
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 My heart aches with this sad news. The world is definitely a little dimmer than it was.Tim and Vicki L Emanuel
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 We are so sorry to hear of Michele's passing. We so hoped it would all work out for her. Michele was always so full of life. She has left many wonderful memories .Pete Hines
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 Want to express my condolences to Bob and the familyMichelle was like a ray of sunshine...great attitude...enjpyed being around her...always brightened up my day
Prayers to your family
maribeth losee
fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 So sorry to hear about Michele, I remember the last time I saw her in May she was looking forward to the bone marrow transplant. Always remember all the good times you and she had. My sympathies to you and your familyColleen Babutzke
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 My heart goes out to Bob and the girls at this difficult time. Michele's wonderful smile and laugh will be missed. Sending caring thoughts your way.Carol Fenske
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 Michele was an amazing woman with a heart of gold. My thought and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.Edie Ronhovde
Fremont, NE Thursday, September 1, 2022 Missel Family so many memories! My favorites were family church gatherings and our camping trip to Indian Cave. Love you all so much. Bob and Michele and Mike and I have the same wedding anniversary, we drove Mazda 626 at the same time. Michele and I had birthdays three days apart and we both loved black licorice.Joyce Henke
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Michelle was an amazing woman. I really enjoyed working with her. My condolences, Bob and to your family. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories.Joyce Henke
Janis Dallman
FREMONT, NE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. I’m so so sorry.Mary Granger
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 The number of lives Michelle touched........such an amazing woman. Heartfelt sympathy to her family and those touched by her.Mary and Ed Granger
Jennifer Poulas
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Bob and family,I'm so saddened to hear about Michele. Sending my deepest sympathy to all of you!
Janie Clopper
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Our deepest sympathy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Diane Paseka
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 There are no words to express our shock and sadness. Love and prayers. Keith and Diane.