Michelle Renee Barsness, 56, Passes Peacefully After Courageous Cancer Battle

Michelle Renee Barsness, age 56, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 11, 2024, after a five-year battle with cancer.

Michelle was born on June 2, 1967, in Glenwood, Minnesota. She graduated from Glenwood High School and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989.

After college, Michelle moved to Colorado, where she spent the majority of her career as a claims manager in the insurance industry. She retired from her position in Denver, Colorado, in the summer of 2023.

Michelle was an avid cyclist and enjoyed spending time with family and friends on Lake Minnewaska in Minnesota. She was a talented designer, and her home, garden, and wardrobe reflected her artistic abilities.

She enjoyed traveling, particularly to Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe, and regularly returned to Minnesota to visit family and friends.

Michelle was a devoted aunt to her nephew, Jacob, and nieces, Elizabeth and Emma, and attended many of their sports and events.

She is survived by her mother, Patty J. (Blair) Barsness; her brother, Chad J. Barsness; her sister-in-law, Jennifer J. (Alby) Barsness; her nephew, Jacob B. Barsness; her nieces, Elizabeth J. Barsness and Emma K. Barsness; her significant other of 26 years, William Moore; and many other relatives and friends.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Everell J. Barsness.

A memorial service will be held at Glenwood Lutheran Church in Glenwood, Minnesota, on Saturday, June 1st, with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. and the service commencing at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the church basement.

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