Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Thursday 9/16,
11:00 am - 12:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Thursday 9/16,
1:00 pm
(nee Strieter) Passed away unexpectedly at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at the age of 54. Loving wife and best friend of James Lauer for 31 years. Cherished Mama of Nate Lauer. Sister and protector of Kelly (Jason) Judkins. Proud aunt of Brittany (Mike) Watson and Breanna Judkins (Josh Sanchez).Continue Reading
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(nee Strieter) Passed away unexpectedly at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at the age of 54. Loving wife and best friend of James Lauer for 31 years. Cherished Mama of Nate Lauer. Sister and protector of Kelly (Jason) Judkins. Proud aunt of Brittany (Mike) Watson and Breanna Judkins (Josh Sanchez). Michelle will also be missed by close family friend Kathy Wenzel and many other family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents Margo and George Strieter.
Michelle worked for the VA Medical Center for the past 37 years. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking, “floating in the cold tub”, and spending time with her cats Tiger and Spunky. To many, she was considered “a rock” and always had a way of lifting up the mood in a room with her goofiness and loud contagious laugh. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and using any excuse for a party or get together.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial appreciated to The Wounded Warrior Project.
As Michelle always said, “It’s never goodbye, it’s always see you later.”
Arlene Gagnon
left a message on November 2, 2021:
Hi Jim,
I am so very sorry for you loss.
I saw on Face Book that Michelle passed away, but I was waiting to see when the Wake would be and there was nothing on Face Book so I missed it.
I was planning on going, Michelle was a wonderful friendly neighbor she will be missed,, by many.
Sincerely Arlene Gagnon
Deb McDaniel
left a message on September 17, 2021:
I was so sadden to hear of this great loss. When she worked in the access office we had a group that always met for lunch with Michelle, it was Sandy, Mary and Amy it was always such fun with our sometimes lunch themes. We all entered the VA bowling tournament too, our team name was "It's all about ME!" That's what Michelle use to remind us of so we painted it on our pink princess bowling shirts. She was such a wealth of knowledge too, she will be greatly missed!
Jeff Bispo
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Jim, Nate, and family- we send our deepest condolences. So very sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. I remember her smile and laugh that could brighten a room.
Jill Denman
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Lauer Family,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Michelle's passing. Tim and I cannot express enough the sympathy we feel for you. Although we did not know each other well, Michelle always had a smile and a wave for us as we passed your house.
Again, our most heartfelt condolences to you and yours.
Tim and Jill Denman
(Your Mohr Circle neighbors)
Paul Kulig
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Myself and the entire POLCO Family extend our deepest condolences to the Lauer Family. Michelle, Jim and family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Paul Kulig
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Myself and the entire POLCO family want to extend our deepest condolences. We will keep Michelle, Jim and the whole Lauer family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Jost
left a message on September 14, 2021:
My love and support goes out to James & Nate (as well as the entire family). I know the Lauer family via the band program at the High School and always appreciated the family's spirit and engagement. Fun all around. Reading other peoples' descriptions of Michelle resonate with me - she totally had a great laugh and smile. She made our time together very enjoyable!! Let me know if the family needs anything!! ~ Jeff / Mr. Jost
Deborah Hagen
left a message on September 11, 2021:
I am deeply sorry to learn of Michelle 's passing. I met her early on in my arrival to the Milwaukee VAMC, & she was so warm and friendly as a MSA Leader. Her love for life, her family , and support for Veterans was so evident in all she did. As the years went on and she advanced in her career she always stayed true to the person I met upon arrival. A true professional, always willing to help or point you in the right direction and I loved her big smile. She will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathy to her family, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
susan middlestead
left a message on September 10, 2021:
My condelences to you and may God give you strength and comfort, she will be missed.
Vicki Brahm
left a message on September 9, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed working with Michele in Milwaukee. Kelly, if there is anything I can do to support please reach out. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth Harders
left a message on September 9, 2021:
Michelle’s smile lit up any room she was in. She was a caring and loving daughter and sister. I had the privilege of knowing her over 40 years. A special person who touched the lives of so many people. I will miss that smile.
Matt and Jori Weiss
left a message on September 9, 2021:
You will be dearly missed our friend!!
Christopher Angle
left a message on September 9, 2021:
I wish I could take away your pain. Just know that I am thinking about you and praying for comfort for you and your family.
Bob Beller
left a message on September 9, 2021:
Very sorry to learn of her passing. I enjoyed working with her at the VA. She always had a great smile. Condolences to the family.
Eva Gennara
left a message on September 9, 2021:
My deepest sympathy to Michelle's family. I had the pleasure of working with Michelle. She was always pleasant and willing to answer any questions I had, not matter how busy she was and she always had a smile for everyone. Michelle was truly a light in our office and she will be greatly missed.
Susan Fliess
left a message on September 9, 2021:
I had the pleasure to work with Michelle at the VA years ago in the Access Office. She was a pleasure to work with very knowledgeable always happy and I am proud to say she became a friend. I will always remember the strong love and dedication she had for her family. Jim and Nate you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Marshall
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle, you will be greatly missed by your family and friends.. I for one remember your wit, your smile and how much fun you were. But one day we will all meet again and we will dance.
Tamara Keller
left a message on September 8, 2021:
My condolences to the family and my prayers are with you always.
Cathy Pitel
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle and I had worked at the VA with each other while she was in the Administrative Offices and then more closely when she transferred over to the Credentialing Office with us. I was always amazed at how fast a learner Michelle was and the vast amount of information she knew and her willingness to gladly share it. She had a wonderful attitude and zest for life. My sympathy to her family - she will be missed by many.
Erika Weber
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle was always a pleasure to work with and always knew how to make me laugh when I needed it most. This is a heartbreaking loss to all who know her. My condolences to her family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jaime and Julie Maliszewski
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Jim,
Michelle, you and Nate are all in our prayers, we are so sad for your loss. May God accept Michelle into his loving hands.
James McLain
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle was the first person to welcome me to Milwaukee in 2012, and I will never forget her bright smile and terrific sense of humor. She always made the day better and kept me out of trouble when I ventured too close to the sun at work. I can think of no one who embraced life as much as her. Michelle made the world a better place through her joy and fun spirit. When people say that God is laughing, you can bet that Michelle is in his presence.
Victoria Hoeft
left a message on September 8, 2021:
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Michelle when I came to the credentialing department at the Milwaukee VA. She was a light to our office. Love and prayers to her and her family.
Victoria Hoeft
Ann Marie Heitman-Cortez
left a message on September 8, 2021:
I, too, am lucky to have worked with the beautiful, happy, helpful Michelle at the VA and we became good friends. Every time I passed her office, it smelled so fresh! Turns out, it was her clothes! Michelle shared with me her laundry tips, including using Downy Unstopables Scent Beads and Dryer Sheets! I have shared Michelle's tips with my family and friends. We all have wonderfully fragrant clothes because of Michelle and we will think of her every time we add a cupful of beads to our washers. "To Know Her Was To Love Her." May you always feel her wonderful spirit.
Irene Balas
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Working in HR I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle from time to time and always found her to be very helpful and friendly. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Chris Horsley
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Every since my start with the VA, in 2014, Michelle was always one of my favorite people. Her jovial demeanor, contagious laughter and brilliant smile always made my day better. She never hesitated to assist anyone in need or to share the knowledge she had gained over the years. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Until later Michelle!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time.
-Chris Horsley
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Arlene Gagnon
left a message on November 2, 2021:
Hi Jim,
I am so very sorry for you loss.
I saw on Face Book that Michelle passed away, but I was waiting to see when the Wake would be and there was nothing on Face Book so I missed it.
I was planning on going, Michelle was a wonderful friendly neighbor she will be missed,, by many.
Sincerely Arlene Gagnon
Deb McDaniel
left a message on September 17, 2021:
I was so sadden to hear of this great loss. When she worked in the access office we had a group that always met for lunch with Michelle, it was Sandy, Mary and Amy it was always such fun with our sometimes lunch themes. We all entered the VA bowling tournament too, our team name was "It's all about ME!" That's what Michelle use to remind us of so we painted it on our pink princess bowling shirts. She was such a wealth of knowledge too, she will be greatly missed!
Jeff Bispo
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Jim, Nate, and family- we send our deepest condolences. So very sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. I remember her smile and laugh that could brighten a room.
Jill Denman
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Lauer Family,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Michelle's passing. Tim and I cannot express enough the sympathy we feel for you. Although we did not know each other well, Michelle always had a smile and a wave for us as we passed your house.
Again, our most heartfelt condolences to you and yours.
Tim and Jill Denman
(Your Mohr Circle neighbors)
Paul Kulig
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Myself and the entire POLCO Family extend our deepest condolences to the Lauer Family. Michelle, Jim and family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Paul Kulig
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Myself and the entire POLCO family want to extend our deepest condolences. We will keep Michelle, Jim and the whole Lauer family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Jost
left a message on September 14, 2021:
My love and support goes out to James & Nate (as well as the entire family). I know the Lauer family via the band program at the High School and always appreciated the family's spirit and engagement. Fun all around. Reading other peoples' descriptions of Michelle resonate with me - she totally had a great laugh and smile. She made our time together very enjoyable!! Let me know if the family needs anything!! ~ Jeff / Mr. Jost
Deborah Hagen
left a message on September 11, 2021:
I am deeply sorry to learn of Michelle 's passing. I met her early on in my arrival to the Milwaukee VAMC, & she was so warm and friendly as a MSA Leader. Her love for life, her family , and support for Veterans was so evident in all she did. As the years went on and she advanced in her career she always stayed true to the person I met upon arrival. A true professional, always willing to help or point you in the right direction and I loved her big smile. She will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathy to her family, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
susan middlestead
left a message on September 10, 2021:
My condelences to you and may God give you strength and comfort, she will be missed.
Vicki Brahm
left a message on September 9, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed working with Michele in Milwaukee. Kelly, if there is anything I can do to support please reach out. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth Harders
left a message on September 9, 2021:
Michelle’s smile lit up any room she was in. She was a caring and loving daughter and sister. I had the privilege of knowing her over 40 years. A special person who touched the lives of so many people. I will miss that smile.
Matt and Jori Weiss
left a message on September 9, 2021:
You will be dearly missed our friend!!
Christopher Angle
left a message on September 9, 2021:
I wish I could take away your pain. Just know that I am thinking about you and praying for comfort for you and your family.
Bob Beller
left a message on September 9, 2021:
Very sorry to learn of her passing. I enjoyed working with her at the VA. She always had a great smile. Condolences to the family.
Eva Gennara
left a message on September 9, 2021:
My deepest sympathy to Michelle's family. I had the pleasure of working with Michelle. She was always pleasant and willing to answer any questions I had, not matter how busy she was and she always had a smile for everyone. Michelle was truly a light in our office and she will be greatly missed.
Susan Fliess
left a message on September 9, 2021:
I had the pleasure to work with Michelle at the VA years ago in the Access Office. She was a pleasure to work with very knowledgeable always happy and I am proud to say she became a friend. I will always remember the strong love and dedication she had for her family. Jim and Nate you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Marshall
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle, you will be greatly missed by your family and friends.. I for one remember your wit, your smile and how much fun you were. But one day we will all meet again and we will dance.
Tamara Keller
left a message on September 8, 2021:
My condolences to the family and my prayers are with you always.
Cathy Pitel
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle and I had worked at the VA with each other while she was in the Administrative Offices and then more closely when she transferred over to the Credentialing Office with us. I was always amazed at how fast a learner Michelle was and the vast amount of information she knew and her willingness to gladly share it. She had a wonderful attitude and zest for life. My sympathy to her family - she will be missed by many.
Erika Weber
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle was always a pleasure to work with and always knew how to make me laugh when I needed it most. This is a heartbreaking loss to all who know her. My condolences to her family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jaime and Julie Maliszewski
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Jim,
Michelle, you and Nate are all in our prayers, we are so sad for your loss. May God accept Michelle into his loving hands.
James McLain
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Michelle was the first person to welcome me to Milwaukee in 2012, and I will never forget her bright smile and terrific sense of humor. She always made the day better and kept me out of trouble when I ventured too close to the sun at work. I can think of no one who embraced life as much as her. Michelle made the world a better place through her joy and fun spirit. When people say that God is laughing, you can bet that Michelle is in his presence.
Victoria Hoeft
left a message on September 8, 2021:
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Michelle when I came to the credentialing department at the Milwaukee VA. She was a light to our office. Love and prayers to her and her family.
Victoria Hoeft
Ann Marie Heitman-Cortez
left a message on September 8, 2021:
I, too, am lucky to have worked with the beautiful, happy, helpful Michelle at the VA and we became good friends. Every time I passed her office, it smelled so fresh! Turns out, it was her clothes! Michelle shared with me her laundry tips, including using Downy Unstopables Scent Beads and Dryer Sheets! I have shared Michelle's tips with my family and friends. We all have wonderfully fragrant clothes because of Michelle and we will think of her every time we add a cupful of beads to our washers. "To Know Her Was To Love Her." May you always feel her wonderful spirit.
Irene Balas
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Working in HR I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle from time to time and always found her to be very helpful and friendly. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Chris Horsley
left a message on September 8, 2021:
Every since my start with the VA, in 2014, Michelle was always one of my favorite people. Her jovial demeanor, contagious laughter and brilliant smile always made my day better. She never hesitated to assist anyone in need or to share the knowledge she had gained over the years. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Until later Michelle!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time.
-Chris Horsley
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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