Ellendale, MN - Michele Kay Nydegger, 58, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2026. A funeral will be held on January 14 at 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment at Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Rev. Jay Dahlving officiating. woodlandhillsfh.com

Michele (with one l) was born on August 6, 1967 in Mankato, MN to Chuck and Lorene (Smith) Heaberlin. She joined her four sisters and big brother, and brought joy to the family as the littlest sister and youngest cousin on both sides of the family. She grew up in Mankato, graduated from Mankato West High School in 1985, and attended Mankato State University. She enjoyed a childhood full of games with neighborhood friends, summers at the cabin on Duck Lake and working in her parents' business, Team Electronics, through her early 20s.

She met her husband, Larry, who was working at Walgreen's in Madison East. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1991, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. They built a life first in Iowa, then Owatonna, and later in Ellendale, where Michele enjoyed having space to garden, cats and dogs, several birdhouses and a chance to work on an old house. Her life and heart expanded on November 4, 2002 when her son Daniel was born. It grew again when her daughter, Evelyn was born on July 12, 2005. As a mom, she blossomed, found joy and purpose and loved her children with all she had. While working full-time in the insurance industry, she made it her priority to be her children's biggest supporter and cheerleader along with Larry.

Michele was a hard worker, quick-witted and tenderhearted. She enjoyed her family, friends and co-workers, Elvis Presley music, puzzles, reading, walks, Thunder of Drums, cocktail cruises or driving the boat with abandon on Duck Lake, potato chips and dip, and a special blend of coffee on weekend mornings with Larry.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Nydegger, Ellendale, MN, son Daniel Nydegger and special friend Brooke Kline, Janesville, MN, daughter Evelyn Nydegger, Ellendale, MN; sisters Terry Halter of McLean, VA, Gail Heaberlin, North Mankato, MN, Nancy Heaberlin, Bozeman, MT, Sandi (Ross) Lubrant, Mankato, MN; parents-in-law Joe and Linda Nydegger of Bolan, IA, brother and sister-in-laws Lori and Scott Willert, Bolan, IA, Loren and Renee Nydegger, Mount Vernon, IA.; many nieces and nephews and two grand-nieces; godparents, Larry and Carol Engelmann, St. Paul, MN.

Michele was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Lorene Heaberlin, brother, George, brother-in-law, Dave Giersdorf and a child whom she now gets to hold.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Association or donor's choice. Michele was a Team Captain for 14 years for Team Unforgettable for the Mankato Walk to End Alzheimer's.