Michelle DeAnn (Huntley) Happel

1969 - 2024

Michelle DeAnn (Huntley) Happel, 54, of Lodi, CA, passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2024.
Michelle was born on December 22, 1969, in Modesto, CA, and grew up in Modesto, CA, Lodi, CA, Englewood, CO and Missoula, MT. She graduated from Lodi High in 1988. Her passion in high school, starting in Missoula, MT, was being a Drill Team member. She was on the Drill Team throughout high school and in January 1987, Michelle marched with the Missoula County High Schools Marching Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade. During her junior year, Michelle and her family moved back to Lodi and she attended Lodi High School. Michelle joined Lodi High's Drill Team and graduated in 1988.
Upon graduation from high school, Michelle earned a degree from Humphreys Court Repor-ting School and was a court reporter for the San Joaquin County Courts for over 26 years until her death. 
Her three children Maxx, Lukas and Hope were the most important, best part, and the center of her life. She loved them so very dearly. As they grew older, she enjoyed attending their Jujitsu matches, watching them achieve every higher level of belt, and attending their sports competitions. Michelle regularly attended her children's basketball, baseball, and football games, traveling far and wide to watch her children's games any day or night of the week. Michelle and her children also enjoyed vacationing together at the beach, regardless of the weather. Michelle was an avid Denver Broncos Fan and was able to attend several home games. Michelle was in Denver and was planning to attend a Broncos game with her brother and nephew on the weekend when she passed away. Michelle enjoyed German food, especially knepfle and kuchen.
Michelle is survived by her children Maxx, Lukas and Hope Happel; husband Dean Happel; mother Janet Bricker (Don); father John Huntley; brother Michael Huntley (Kim); stepbrother David Bricker; stepsister Chrissy Nelson; nephew Adam Huntley; nieces Rachel Huntley and Ariana Knowles (Spencer); cousins Karen Adam, Kim Adam-Workman (Shawn), Kenny Richards, and Kathy Austin. She is preceded in death by grandparents Henry and Salma Adam, Uncle Arlin Adam and Cousins Tony Adam, Karen Avitt and Kay Richards.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2400 Oxford Way, Lodi, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers charitable donations can be made to St. Peter Lutheran School, 50 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, CA 95242.