Michele Marina Wahlder

I was deeply saddened to hear about Michelle´s recent death. Michelle and I went to Menard in high school, 1977-1981. I had some classes with her and also interacted with her at school functions and parties. She was a very sweet girl and young lady. I feel so bad for her husband, her step-daughter, her close friends and her immediate family and relatives. It sounds like Michelle led quite a life with many accomplishments for she and her family to be proud of. Rest in peace, Michelle.

To Tommy and Michele´s Family and Friends, I send you all my deepest condolences. Michele was such a beautiful accomplished woman and I remember her big smile and infectious giggle from our childhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. -Jamie Robert Potlock

Michele had a profound impact on so many people's lives. While I met her many years ago, our friendship blossomed in our more recent connection through Retreat House Spirituality Center.

Michele became an important, beautiful, and loving part of our RH community. Her writing in her own two books, as well as the piece she wrote for our House of Wonder book last year, and poems she shared in our gatherings will have a permanent place in my heart.

Between her thoughtfulness, her writing, her artistic talent, her patience, as well as her sweet smile, she became a part of a special group of people with whom we shared sacred time together.

Michele's incredibly positive lessons on handling adversity and living with resilience, joy and hope, and how to find gratitude in every corner (even when tucked away) - all of this will live and ripple forward with love.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

My deepest condolences to the families. I remember meeting Michele in Miami when her family would vacation. She had such a strong heart and was so caring.

I met Michele as a young lad, and over the years, she became like a sister to me. She loved me as if I were her own brother, and I loved her just the same.

She will be deeply missed, but I thank God for the blessing of her presence in my life-the way she added to it and influenced me in ways I´ll never forget.

Love you always,
Your little brother,
Joseph

I didn´t know her, but I knew her parents well, and her amazing brother Tommy. What a beautiful legacy she left behind, and all the beautiful seeds she planted along her journey. I´m quite sure those seeds she planted will continue to flourish beautifully into eternity...