Michelle Lynn (Grife) Bartell

December 25th, 2009

Michelle; HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! We had a party and balloon release for you today, we had a lot of people doing the same from Mom & Dad in AZ, Sisters in MN & MO.  Auntie & Uncle in WI, Neices and Nephews in AR & MN, cousins in AZ.

Today is your day, you were a special daughter, you were always there to help, no matter what.  You are missed so much by family and friends.  Love you Sweetie, MOM & DAD

December 16, 2009

Please accept my condolences for your loss of Michelle.  I met Michelle at the Women Heart Mayo Clinic Science and Leadership Symposium in Rochester, MN in October 2006.  We were in a break out group together and remained in contact via e-mail from time to time.  Michelle shared with many of us her deep love for her children and family.  Michelle was kind and helpful, most recently she was helping to connect me with someone at Medtronic to help with getting a defibrillator installed at my daughters school. ~East Orange, New Jersey

November 10, 2009

Heaven Needed My Sister

I still recall when I was small

A loving sister through it all.

I close my eyes and I can see

The way our childhoold used to be.

A sister's jobs are never done.

And Heaven must have needed one.

For angels came and took her hand

And led her to God's promise land.

She's surely kept quite busy there

With little cherubs in her care,

To give them hugs and be their friend

And help them when they play pretend.

Although there's sadness, this I know-

She's waiting there, her face aglow

I close my eyes and I can see-

My sister waiting there for me.

Michelle was a kind, gentle, bubbly person who I am proud to call my sister, my friend.  She will forever remain in my heart and memories.  I miss you and love you. R.I.P

~Arlene~

Anderson, MO

October 22, 2009

Dear Heather, my name is Tiffany Carey and I am on the special Olympics storm team with you, you may know my fiance Kenny Narbo.  I know what you are going through right now especially at a time like this.  A mother is someone that brought you into this world I bet your mom would want you to go on with your life and move but I just wanted to say I am so sorry when I heard on the news about Michelle.  I was just devastated maybe not as much as you were.  I am sorry for your loss.  May God bless you and your family you are in my prayers always from your storm friend.  ~Brooklyn, MN~

October 21, 2009

I was not fortunate enough to know Michelle very well.  I do know that if she was anything like her sister Pam, one of my very best friends, she was very giving and had a heart of gold.  The few times I was able to enjoy her smile, wit, and kindness were sharing Easter and Thanksgiving meals at Pam's.  She warned me right away that if I wanted cranberries I better get to them before Nick!  Michelle was so easy to talk to and to be around.  She really did brighten up a room.  Her family was blessed to have such a wonderful person in their lives.  That is what makes this time so devasting.  Memories and even these messages probably bring tears and heartache right now, but don't avoid them.  Embrace them and share them!  Soon they will bring a warm feeling into your hear and laughter to your family gatherings.

I must compliment Nick once again on reading the poem at the funeral.  This shows what a strong guy he is; he is going to make it.  Your mom would be so proud of you.  Don't stop making her proud!  The support from his big brother throughtout the day convinced me that he will be in good hands.  May God bless you on your journey together.  ~Grand Rapids, MN~

October 21, 2009

Just a thought for you , that you always think you have tomorrow; just want to let you know, sometimes tomorrow never comes.  Don't put off today, things you want to do and say.  I lost my best friend and my little sister too!

Holidays were a time for us to share, cooking, laughing and prepare.  You where our Chrismas Angel, who lit up the night and brought forth the morning Christmas light.

I miss you terribly and love you very much.

Love always your sister, Pam  ~Deer River, MN~

October 20, 2009

Michelle is truly missed.  So many memories to share...her volunteering to be the clown at my oldest friends friend birthday party, teaching me to drive a stick so we could switch cars until her leg was healed, girls weekends up north, road trips to Ironworld, USA, chasing Bill Dean down the road on his motorcycle, many laughs, many tears....

As I told her kids-she loved them so much, she was so proud of each of them and she will continue to live in everything they do.

I will miss her, her friendship and her contagious smile.  Life on this earth is short and I have been truly blessed and thankful to have had her in my life.  ~Blaine, MN~

October 19, 2009

Dear Grife Family....I am so sorry to hear about Michelle's passing.  She was a wonderful person and friend to all.  She will be sadly missed by all.  I know especially by Pam.  My deepest sympathies to all of you.  I went to school with Pam and Michelle.  ~Hill City, MN~

October 17, 2009

Grife family we are so sorry to hear about your loss.  But she will always be in our hearts.  Love Lil and Wally.  ~Anchorage, AK~

October 17, 2009

Michelle was my colleague and my friend for many years at Medronic.  Her kindness and her love of helping others was an inspiration to me.  She loved and cared for her children so much and was so extremely proud of them.  I met her family at the memorial today and it was easy to see where she got her big heart.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family in this difficult time.  ~Lindstrom, MN~