“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23
Michelle Lynn Kleinheksel-Zitterkopf, 39, of Cheyenne, WY, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 27th, 2024. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 13th, at 10:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God in Scottsbluff. A private family inurnment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff at a later date. Flowers may be sent to First Assembly of God in Scottsbluff. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Christian School in Scottsbluff.
Michelle was born on Friday, April 26th, 1985, in Scottsbluff, NE, to Ken and Pam Zitterkopf at Regional West Medical Center. Michelle was Ken and Pam’s firstborn. They were gifted with a beautiful baby girl and would start the next chapter of their marriage. Early in her childhood, Michelle graced the world with her smiles, laughter, intelligence, charisma, and positivity. When Michelle was 5 years old, her kind heart and gentle soul was tested as she began to develop an illness that was later diagnosed as lupus at age 9. Despite the circumstances, Michelle carried on in her ways and refused to let her illness define her. Her strong will, love for her friends and family, and love of Christ carried her far into life.
Despite many hospital stays while attending Community Christian School, Michelle made her way through grade school with straight A’s. Michelle then went on to graduate from Scottsbluff High School, class of 2004, as one of 10 Valedictorians. Her next chapter would take her to Grace Bible College in Omaha, NE where she pursued her passion for playing the piano and furthering her relationship with Christ. Michelle married on May 24th, 2008, and later in 2011 discovered she was pregnant with her greatest love, her daughter Hailey Joy Kleinheksel. Unfortunately her love, Hailey Joy, was called home to the Lord too soon on September 25th, 2011.
On December 18th, 2013 Michelle would become an auntie to her nephew Braylen. Michelle loved children and was active in Braylen’s life. She would spend many hours FaceTiming with him and was always excited when he was able to come over for a visit. Michelle loved all her nieces and nephews, she did not hesitate to jump into the role of an Aunt.
No matter where life took Michelle, her passion and strong will defied her illness and allowed her to grace the world with her many gifts. Michelle was a wonderful older sister to her younger sister Bekki and younger brother Kelly. Her support and encouragement for her younger siblings was evident as she always took interest in their lives. Michelle was always quick to praise, congratulate, or even just talk with her younger siblings when they needed advice. She also was quick to make friends throughout her schooling, at summer camp, at work, in the hospital, or at church. Her smile, laughter, genuineness, and ability to overcome life’s adversaries was an inspiration to those around her.
Aside from checking in on her siblings and serving as a friendly face to those around her, Michelle also had many hobbies. She was an accomplished pianist, enjoyed cross stitching, had an eye for collecting rare and vintage Pyrex, and displayed her green thumb as she endeavored the daunting task of growing and maintaining her orchids.
Michelle also had a great eye for design, which paired well with her love for Christmas. Michelle would decorate early for Christmas, and there was always some remorse when the time would come to take her decorations down. Michelle also loved to travel. She visited multiple states and locations, but one of her favorite places was the beach. She was an explorer, and loved to go out and be around other people, she was determined to not let her lupus hold her back. She was truly a beautiful soul undefined by an earthly body.
Michelle is survived by her parents Ken and Pam Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff, her younger sister Bekki (fiancee, Anthony Trevino) Zitterkopf of Gering, her younger brother Kelly Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff, and her nephew Braylen Trevino of Gering. Her aunts and uncles include her uncle Howard (Marijo) Mazanec of Hot Springs, uncle Marvin (Diane) Mazanec of Hemingford, aunt Cindy Pestotnik of California and her uncle Jim (Jan) Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff. Cousins include Julie (Mike) Larson of Scottsbluff, Jason (Amber) Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff, Krystal (Chase) Capo of Florida, and Karla Pestotnik of California. In-laws include parents Brian and Nancy Kleinheksel of Michigan, Jeanette Fisher of Hot Springs, SD.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Albert and Wilma Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff and Emery and Ardeyne Mazanec of Hemingford, her Uncle Greg Mazanec of Hemingford, and her love and joy, her precious daughter Hailey Joy.