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Michele "Shelly" R. Bjorge-Lathrop
1965 - 2022
Michele "Shelly" R. Bjorge-Lathrop
1965 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1965
DIED
2022
Michele "Shelly" Bjorge-Lathrop Obituary
Michele Renee Bjorge-Lathrop age 57 of Hanover, MD, formerly of La Crosse, died unexpectedly on October 24th from complications of an accidental fall in her home.
Michele, known to her family and friends as Shelly was born April 13, 1965 in La Crosse to James Sr. and Cynthia (Ellenbecker) Bjorge. She married Brian Lathrop in La Crosse on October 5, 1996.
Shelly and Brian first met in the fourth grade, were school sweethearts and both 1983 graduates of Logan High School. After college, their careers took them to several cities including Southern California, Tucson, Denver, and Hanover, MD.
Shelly was known for her style and grace and had a successful career in the retail fashion industry. She loved to travel and took many trips with her family and friends. Europe and warm cruises were her favorites.
Though living in many cities, La Crosse was always home. The Packers and TJo’s Pizza were a couple of her favorites. She became a Breast Cancer champion to her close family that battled this disease, and concluded her life as an organ donor. She had a passion for life and laughter, and was enamored by the beach, sand, and especially sunshine. Shelly filled every room with her smile and uniquely made everyone feel like a friend. She will be missed by many.
In addition to her husband Brian, she is survived by two brothers, Kenneth (Carole) Bjorge of Spring Grove, IL, and James (Lynn) Bjorge of Blair, WI, her stepfather, Arthur Ellenbecker of Ettrick, WI, her stepmother Joyce Bjorge of Denver, CO, an aunt Karen Smith of La Crosse, a great aunt Betty Bjorge of La Crescent, MN, a sister in law Kathy (Mark) Miskovic of Colorado Springs, CO, a brother in law Billy (Dorothy) Lathrop of La Crosse, mother in law Mary Lathrop of La Crosse, and by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and parents in law.
A Celebration of Life will be held in La Crosse at a later date. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.
44 Entries
kimberlie wiegand
January 4, 2024
all my thoughts still with you, finding pics of shelly and me when we are kids. fun going out (sneaking out] getting apples and rhubarb and eating it all. miss her a lot and i know you miss her more than anyone!! Memories! Thats what you have, keep them safe! Love, Kim Wiegand
Always following her sunshine!
Brian Lathrop
October 25, 2023
One year away. Always following your sunshine. Missing you.
kimberlie wiegand
April 18, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss Brian. I only heard about Shelly's passing recently. We had so much fun as kids. even though we lost touch, i often thought about her. I hope you are doing well. All my love to you Brian. Take care. Kim (Stegen) Wiegand I will think of her often!
Jackie Taylor (Reuning)
April 14, 2023
I just learned of Shelly's passing and I am so sad that this world has lost such a giving, loving and vivacious person. We haven't been in touch in many years and I had just recently bumped into a mutual friend and I so wanted to reconnect with Shelly and let her know how grateful I was that she brought me into her world and how kind and generous you was to me. It meant a lot to me and I will forever be sorry that I was not able to tell her in person.
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Janice Ross
April 10, 2023
Michele, Happy Heavenly Birthday to YOU! Love you and missed you dearly everyday
Edna Jacobs
April 7, 2023
I will forever miss that beautiful smile
Natalie Henning
April 4, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Denise Lichtie
April 2, 2023
Thinking of you Brian. I always loved Shelly´s visits at Grandpa Bills. Miss you!
Missing you.
Brian Lathrop
January 16, 2023
Wonderful, bright-eyed girl.
Brian Lathrop
January 16, 2023
Brian Lathrop
January 16, 2023
Missing you.
janice ross
December 15, 2022
Michele, truly a wonderful friend, always so happy, loving and able to make friends with everyone. Gave some much to her friends and co-workers. Very fashionable and creating FUN every where she went. truly going to miss her her laugh, smile and our talks :) !!!! Michele was devoted to her husband and her Cats.
MIchele would drop everything to be by your side. May God give peace and comfort to her family at this time. I will always remember our times together - love and missed you Janice Ross
Dianne Revolinski
November 18, 2022
Shelly, You were and Always will be a Beautiful light to many. Your light up smile and the way you always held yourself so confident and cheerful. God Bless Your Beautiful Soul. We will miss you. Until we meet again, Rest in Peace Sweet Beautiful cousin and niece. Love You Always. Love Dianne , Damon and Auntie Karen.
I know she is on a beach somewhere, finding her sunshine. Definitely with her toenails painted.
Brian Lathrop
November 12, 2022
Missing you.
Walter Thompson
November 11, 2022
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart. You two were such an amazing team. She will be missed so much by a world that needs her sunshine.
Grant Colley
November 11, 2022
My condolences. I will keep family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
Grant Colley (colleague of Brian on the Atlas progeam)
Tammy Potaracke
November 9, 2022
Brian,
I haven't been in touch since high school, but please know how sincerely sorry I am to hear of Shelly's passing.
She was always so vibrant and full of life, and sounds like she had continued shining her inner spirit in so many ways throughout her experiences and travel.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your shared times and memories help you through your grief.
Tammy Potaracke
Class of '83
Brian Lathrop
November 8, 2022
Knowing this is not the best venue for an announcement, but wanted to get the word out to those in the Denver area of an impromptu gathering. There will still be a Celebration of Life for Shelly held in La Crosse, WI, at a later date. But our good friend George Schlagel and his family, who still live on our old cul de sac in Parker, CO, will be opening up his home for an informal impromptu Celebration of Life for Michele Lathrop. Open house will be this Saturday, 12-NOV-2022, from 2-6 pm. They will have some BBQ from Brothers, but please bring your own beverages. His address is: 11461 Dark Star Way, Parker, CO, 80134. Anyone who knew Michele is invited to share stories and visit. Please pass on the information if appropriate. This will be a happy occasion as Michele would want it to be! Sorry, Sweetie, to take over your guestbook with this announcement. But I think you would have it no other way.
Christie Delaney
November 8, 2022
I was a better person having known Michelle. She was a wonderful person!
Sharon STUBBS
November 8, 2022
Shelly, ~~~ Your Smile and Positive Energy Brightened Every Room. Loved our time together in Italy, where we were able to get to know each other better. Being laid off from Dress Barn was so tough on all of us~o you were such an amazing support system to me. Thank You. YOU ARE A SMILING ANGEL IN HEAVEN
Renee Hauerwas
November 7, 2022
I am so sad to hear of Shellys passing. She touched so many with her huge heart, generous spirit and unwavering friendship. One of my fondest memories was being together in Italy, singing and dancing till dawn. She loved that Brian was our DJ, making the evening a night of fun and laughter. She had that special something that brought people together. So many more wonderful memories with Shelly will always stay close to my heart. My thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, go out to Shellys family, friends, and her Brian.
Suzanne Reed
November 7, 2022
Brian and family: I am so sorry for your loss. The world was a better place with Michele in it.
Mary Jo Taylor
November 7, 2022
Michele, you were so wonderful. I loved you like a sister. We had so many wonderful times together. The shenanigans were endless. Goodbye my beautiful friend. My heart is broken and there are no words to describe how much I loved you. Till we meet again.
Mary Jo
Jenifer Maloney Villa
November 7, 2022
Brian and family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. She was a vivacious, hard working, respected boss and friend. Her love of Brian and her family was always first and foremost. I always felt like she had our back at work. She just cared about people. May God give you peace during this time.
Donna Lindley
November 6, 2022
Michele never missed an opportunity to share her passions or make others feel special. She shared space program info with my young son and inspired teams with leadership principles from her favorite - Vince Lombardi. She lived fully and was a vibrant soul. I will forever put olives in my ying ling and have respect for Lambo field after experiencing these with Michele. I can still hear her laugh and see her bright smile. Prayers of strength and love to her family and all her friends.
November 6, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lisa ( Luedtke) Haas
November 6, 2022
Sending my deepest condolences to you Brian
Not sure if you remember me , Shelly and I nannied together in New York. Sharing so many fun nights, weekends and Spring Break together. Her contagious laugh, smile and energy was one in a million.
My sister lives in LaCrosse and told me of her passing. I’m both shocked and deeply saddened. So not fair, regardless of the circumstances:(
Tried to reach her several times throughout the years on Facebook with no luck . Will hold her forever in my heart, until we meet again my friend ❣
Take care Brian as she was so in love with you !
Gail Helmick
November 6, 2022
May the angels escort her to paradise. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and yours
Lynette Palermo
November 6, 2022
We had great times at Dressbarn and working together for Relay for Life. Your beautiful smile will be missed.
Lisa(Luedtke) Haas
November 6, 2022
Condolences Brian
Not sure if you remember me , I was a nanny in New York with Shelly . Fabulous year of fun with her on nights , weekends and Spring Break . My sister lives in LaCrosse and told me of her passing. I’m in shock and very saddened as such fond memories of her. Her contagious laugh, smile and fun personality! Tried several years to reach her through Facebook:(
Truly one of a kind ♥
See you again one day my friend
Jane Grauf
November 6, 2022
I am so sorry for the loss of Michelle. She was our dressbarn buddy. I will always remember her smile and that she ironed her PJs. Loved fashion! Loved cooking and wine! Forever with us ❤. Jane Grauf
Bruce Postovit
November 6, 2022
Sorry for your loss Brian. Thinking of you and your family.
Shelly loved going to Italy, and putting three coins in the fountain.
Brian Lathrop
November 6, 2022
Missing you.
Diane Gebhart
November 6, 2022
I was shocked to read that obit today. So sorry for your loss, Brian. Shelly was always a ray of sunshine with a personality and spirit as beautiful as she looked. My sincere sympathies to her family and friends.
Jerry Knutson
November 6, 2022
We will miss you, Shelly Thinking of you and Brian. Another loss for the Logan Class of 83.
George Schlagel
November 5, 2022
Michele was a very special person, always helped out when needed. She was instrumental in planning neighborhood parties, pig roasts etc. She treated the neighborhood children as own giving them presents on holidays and fashion advise:)
Super good friend always willing to share a beer or very large glass of wine. She will be missed.
November 5, 2022
My sympathies to the family. Shelly was a wonderful woman. Cant believe this.
♥♥♥
Joyce Bjorge
November 4, 2022
November 4, 2022
Michele "Shelly" or as her dad called her "Sissy Girl". She was all that and more. She was a treasure to me, the daughter I never had. Her and Brian her husband were both so kind and good to me opening their hearts and home to us when needed. SHELLY WILL BE MISSED. She was so many things to all of us. She cannot be replaced. It was my honor and privilege to be her step mom. Her kindness to me had no barriers. She could light up a room with her smile. I want to say more, but all I can think of is God has another Angel in paradise. I wish she was still here with her goodness, kindness, hope and her boundless love. Her step mother, Joyce
Cynthia Baker
November 4, 2022
Shelly always had a smile & upbeat personality. I enjoyed every visit & will forever remember the good times. She will be dearly missed. Rock those heavens Shelly! I know you are having a great time with everyone there...save me a seat!!
Kelly Brown
November 4, 2022
We definitely have another angel.
Kelly Brown
Alice Baker
November 4, 2022
I'm so sorry. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Lisa M.
November 1, 2022
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am.
Lisa M.
November 1, 2022
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am. Lisa M.
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
200 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601
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