Michelle was passionate about ministering to at-risk youth. She started a non-profit, called “Gets ‘em Hope” which supported at-risk teens during some of their darkest times. She was a mom figure to hundreds of teens in the Sioux Falls area. Eight years later, she is still remembered and connected to many of those that she helped through their troubled times. Michelle loved music, especially live music and couldn’t help but dance when good songs were playing. This girl always had pep in her step! She volunteered with the Sioux Falls Patriotic Guard for flag line duties. She loved dressing up and attending Davina and the Vegabonds, local jazz events in Sioux Falls and visiting her Kansas City friends for live music. She loved her girls and her grandchildren dearly. She will be remembered as a loving, kind-hearted, non-judgmental Christian woman who prayed for everyone.
Michelle is remembered by her daughters, Jessica, Lindsey and Shannon VanderWeide of Hardwick; grandchildren, Daishoun VanderWeide and Peter Carvalho; her father, Daryl Vander Kooi of Sioux Center, IA; siblings, Shane (Kristi) Vander Kooi of Sioux Center and Loun (Phon) Phompakdy of Sioux Center; nieces and a nephew; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Maris Vander Kooi; sister and best friend, Dalaine Pfiel; stillborn son, Brandon VanderWeide; two miscarriage children; a best friend, Dale Gillen; and grandparents.
Memorials may be contributed to a ‘Go Fund Me’ account organized by Ruthie Becker.
To plant a tree in memory of Michelle McMurrey, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
9
Oct
207 Elm St.
Luverne, MN 56156
Per MN Executive Order masks are required. Social distancing and occupancy limits will be observed. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Memorial Celebration of Life
10
Oct
720 Figzel Ct.
Tea, SD 57064
In order to protect those coming together from different communities to celebrate Michelle's life, masks will be required and social distancing and occupancy limits will be observed. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.