Michelle Eral 11/28/2023

Michelle Lynn Eral, age 55, passed away courageously and peacefully surrounded by family and friends at her home on November 28, 2023.

She was born in 1968 in Farmington, MN and lived in various communities in Minnesota throughout her childhood.
Michelle graduated from Bemidji High School and attended St. Cloud State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders. Michelle, who valued education and the ability to know more, furthered her education by completing her Master of Science Degree in Communication Disorders at University of Wisconsin, River Falls.

Michelle always had a love of learning and growth which was inspiring to those around her. Her own personal obstacles became open doors to reach and communicate with compassion to those around her. Michelle knew how to communicate well and valued putting everyone before her.

Michelle married the love of her life, Joe Eral, in October, 2000. Joe was a perfect example of unconditional love. Michelle cherished his love and the best friend and confidant she had in Joe. To watch their love story unfold was beautiful as they gracefully and intentionally learned how to serve one another with joy. After being united, Joe joined Michelle and her two children, Carissa (Matthew) and Jake and made their home in New Richmond. Together they formed a special family and later welcomed Cooper, who completed their family of five. She was so very proud of her children and loved to share what they were doing and what they had accomplished. Also, Michelle LOVED her new role as Nana to Beau and Banks. She never tired of snuggles and baby kisses and looked forward to visits that included her boys!

Friends and neighbors were extended family to Michelle and her door was always open if not rotating on a daily basis. Joe and Michelle were intentional about pouring into others and filling their home with laughter and love. They enjoyed throwing parties, going to school events, babysitting for neighbors’ kids, motorcycle rides and having friends stop by for a visit on Michelle’s beautiful porch sanctuary. Her friends and neighbors surrounded her with love through flowers, surprise office remakes, meals, and frequent visits. Michelle was so loved by many that you often had to find time to get on her social calendar….but an open invitation and chair always welcomed you in.

Michelle loved reading, snowmobiling, motorcycling, traveling, watching movies and cheering on her Packers . She was a great listener and enjoyed one-on-one conversations. Michelle could always dish out her wise advice, and she admitted that she was usually unfiltered and sometimes unapologetic about it. Michelle enjoyed being active in sharing her passions which served many. Michelle volunteered at homeless shelters and nursing homes. She understood those who felt alone or forgotten and was intentional about paying it forward to those less fortunate. She poured her heart and energy out on others and it remained intact until the end. Michelle will always be remembered for a sense of “family” and unconditional love. Also, it was in her cancer journey that Michelle’s faith was deepened and she fully pursued a relationship with Jesus Christ. She invited others to come and discuss scripture and His love and promises for her. Her desire to be baptized in September was a celebration and a proclamation to loved ones that she knew of Jesus’ plan and she knew where she would spend eternity. Michelle was at peace and lived joyfully because of that assurance.

Thoughts that Michelle wanted to leave with you:
Do not wait for “someday”; make “someday” today.
Laugh with others; but most importantly, laugh at yourself.
Don’t be afraid to try something new, meet someone new, join something new, or learn something new.
Don’t let your past define you, but let it instead prepare you.
Be vulnerable in life and love.
And….
“Love every moment!”

Michelle was preceded in death by three amazing individuals – Sally Eral, Jim Eral and a beautiful granddaughter, Maisyn.

Please join our family in celebrating Michelle’s life on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Faith Community Church, 1040 Paperjack Dr, New Richmond, WI. Visitation wa from 9-11 followed by her Celebration of Life service. A late lunch of Michelle’s favorite foods will be served at Champs Bar and Grill following the service. Live streaming will begin around 11 am: https://vimeo.com/event/3934942
Please dress casually and wear pink or your walk t shirt to honor Michelle’s journey. In lieu of flowers, please choose one way to make a difference in another person’s life or support a cancer charity organization.