In loving memory of a dear daughter, sister, wife, mother, niece, granddaughter, and friend – Michelle Gail Bartel Nee Friesen.

                Michelle was born on September 10, 1986 in Portage la Prairie, MB to her parents Leonard & Jennifer Friesen.

                Michelle grew up on her parent’s farm near Austin, MB. She was a bubbly, energetic little girl who loved to play being a “mom”. She had the opportunity to be a big sister to three younger brothers, as well as many foster siblings, especially Paul, William, and Nate.

                Some of the things Michelle enjoyed during her childhood years were playing school with her brothers, convincing her brothers to play dolls with her, doing laundry (earning her the nickname of Laundry Queen), as well as reading many books.

                Michelle really enjoyed hanging out with friends. Because of her shy, quiet personality, Michelle was a great listener for her friends as they shared many hopes, dreams, and concerns with her.

                Michelle grew up in a Christian home going to Sunday School and attending youth group, which she enjoyed very much. At the age of 14, she gave her life to her Savior, Jesus Christ, and was baptized upon the confession of her faith on June 4, 2004 at the MacGregor Sommerfeld Church.

                Michelle graduated from the MacGregor Collegiate Institute in June of 2005.

                As a teenager, Michelle was very involved in the family’s market garden stand making pies, pickles, jams, and selling vegetables. Another of her jobs included caring for an elderly patient, which then led to her going to college for her Health Care Aid Degree, along with her good friend Allison. As a health care aid, she worked in the Gladstone Care Home, Portage la Prairie Hospital, and for an extended period of time in the MacGregor Care Home.

                A couple highlights of Michelle’s young adult life were a mission’s trip together with the church’s College n Career group, to help build a church in Seminole Texas as well as a trip through the States to the Niagara Falls, together with her parents and Trent. On the way home from the falls, she flew for her first time, and her ears got so plugged she yelled the whole way home in the vehicle without realizing how loud she was!

                Michelle began dating Daniel Walter Bartel at the age of 28, and they were married on July 25, 2015. Through their marriage, she became mother to Jack, Shelby, and Elizabeth. They lived on a farm near Holland, MB and were blessed with three more sons: Kyle Daniel on October 1, 2016, Ryan James on March 24, 2019, and Jonathan Henry on December 3, 2020. Michelle enjoyed homeschooling their children, helping on the farm, as well as cooking, baking, and gardening.

                Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer on November 25, 2021. After her diagnosis, Michelle believed God would use her story to touch someone’s life. Her battle against cancer was not easy, including chemo, radiation, and many hospital stays. During this time, she committed to making as many memories with her loved ones as possible which included camping trips, a trip to the zoo, Brandon Ag Days, the Brandon Winter Fair, and a few outings where the boys could swim.

                Michelle passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on a beautiful sunny day April 16, 2023 at 1:56 p.m.

                Michelle was predeceased by her grandfather David Friesen and her Uncle Fred Harder. She is survived by her husband Danny Bartel, Children: Jack (17), Shelby (13), Elizabeth (11), Kyle (6), Ryan (4), and Jonathan (2), Parents: Leonard and Jennifer Friesen, Siblings: Gordon Friesen, Randy Friesen, Trenton (Rachel) Friesen, Parents In Law: Walter and Irma Bartel, Sister In Law Carolyn Bartel, Brother In Law Rick Bartel, 1 niece, 1 nephew, Grandparents: Henry and Agnes Bueckert, Katherine Friesen, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

                The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Boundary Trails chemo and medical wards, Portage chemo ward, Brandon chemo and radiation wards, Dr. Woelk, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Hunter, Dr. Finney, and Dr. Omichinski for their amazing care for Michelle. They would also like to thank the community for all their support along Michelle’s difficult journey. A special thank you as well to Michelle’s siblings and many other family members who pitched in to lovingly build Michelle’s casket.

Michelle, we love you and will always miss you, Love, your family.

                The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Clarke's Funeral Home of MacGregor/Gladstone in care of the arrangements.