Michelle L. Messer

Michelle Louise Messer, 65, passed December 5, 2025, after living with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer for 12 years 10 months.

Michelle believed, “When I die, it does not mean that I lost to cancer." It was not a battle for her. She was strong mentally & emotionally but not a Warrior. She learned to overcome cancer by learning to live with her terminal disease.” As her disease progressed, she adopted a “Live With. Live Beyond.” mind set. She demonstrated this with grace, a positive attitude, her love for God and family. Cancer gave her a deeper sense of purpose. She was self-aware and mindful. She embodied resilience.

Michelle didn't have a bucket list. Instead, she had a list of goals. A bucket list felt like a check-off list before she died. She preferred to think of it as goals we should all have to enjoy and improve our time on earth. She found multiple silver linings on her cancer journey. She experienced many gifts of insight, growth, and peace.

Michelle attended Memorial High, Chippewa Valley College and UW Eau Claire. She called herself a “townie”. In her twenties she was the President and owner of ECA, Inc., dba Arnold’s Hamburger Grill and Shakey’s Pizza. She was also the owner of The Sunshine House Child Care, LLC. In her thirties she earned her Registered Nurse license. She worked in outpatient surgery, rehabilitation and ended her RN career as a Quality Improvement Specialist specifically working with Birth through 6 years. The job that gave her the most joy and fulfillment was raising her three amazing adult children Ryan, Taylor and Hannah.

Her husband Shaun was her best friend, confidant, her everything She often said, " He is the most loving, supportive husband a woman could want. He shows his love with actions which is so important to me. I sure am lucky!"

Michelle enjoyed volunteering throughout her life. She taught decades of Religions Education. She volunteered at multiple school and sporting events. She trained her Golden Doodle Hunter to become a certified Pet Therapy dog. Both Michelle and Hunter thoroughly enjoyed visiting medical facilities in Eau Claire and Altoona to share hope and joy.

Michelle is survived by her husband Shaun Messer, two sons Ryan (Jenna) Aylesworth, Taylor (Tessa) Aylesworth, daughter Hannah Messer, parents Martin and Joan Ambros, one brother Martin Ambros (Wendy Walk), and her two grandchildren Carson and Carter Aylesworth.

A memorial service will take place at 12 pm (noon) on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating.  Memorial visitation will take place at the church on that day from 9 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred . 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.