Michelle Etta Cooper was born on December 16, 1963 to Karen (Hulsebus) Owens in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith and attended Harlan Community Schools, graduating with the Class of 1982. While in high school, she worked at Shelby County State Bank.
After graduation, Michelle moved to Council Bluffs and began employment at First National Bank. Michelle and Terry were introduced in 1984 through her uncle Wayne but reconnected several years later when moved to Council Bluffs. After they dated several months, they knew marriage was inevitable and they were married in December of 1991. The children came early and often! After the birth of John in 1996, she resigned from Mutual of Omaha to become a stay-at-home mom and teacher.
She started working part-time at SAC Federal Credit Union before returning to full-time employment in 2006 at Lincoln Financial Group in Omaha. After a challenging first few months, she grew to love the job and the people she worked with. She remained for six years until her health and disability forced her to retire in May of 2012.
Even though Michelle loved her job, her life really revolved around her family. She loved her husband, children, and her dogs. She loved being a homemaker, sewing, cooking, reading, and learning new things.
In 2000, Michelle and Terry visited the Cayman islands; as it was always a dream of hers to visit the Caribbean. In 2011, the family went to Disney World where they had a very special time and made lots of good memories. Last June, another dream was realized when she attended the Fleetwood Mac concert and went backstage to meet Stevie Nicks.
Many years ago, Michelle became a Christian. She was a trophy of grace, was very gracious, and loved by others. She was always quick to put others before herself, quick to forgive, and always had a smile and friendly greeting.
Michelle died on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Mills County Hospice in Glenwood, Iowa, having attained the age of fifty years, four months, and seventeen days. She was preceded in death by her mother in January of this year.
She is survived by her husband Terry of Council Bluffs, Iowa; children: Jordan of Omaha, Nebraska, Hannah and her husband Dylan Holt of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Elle, John, Olivia, Abigail, and Lydia all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brother Richard Schiernbeck; other family members and many friends.
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