Michelle Marie (Grewe) Kryjeski

life story

Mom and Mimi, forever in our hearts.

This is Michelle at her wholest. Her, her kids and grandkids, together, all mixed up and smiling. This is her heart, they just happen to live outside her chest. This is love.

Michelle Marie (Grewe) Kryjeski, age 61, passed away on March 10, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, after a hard-fought battle with Endometrial Cancer.

Born on May 23, 1963, in Duluth, Minnesota, Michelle spent her childhood with her siblings and cousins on the shores of Lake Superior and spent many summers on her grandfather’s farm. She was baptized and confirmed at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Duluth. She pursued her passion for helping others by earning a nursing degree from the College of St. Scholastica. During her career, Michelle spent time working with teen parents in the Minneapolis school district and later, caring for patients as they navigated their long-term pharmacy needs. Throughout her life, she was known for her loving, caring, and giving nature.

In her adulthood, Michelle made her home in Saint Paul and loved it for its variety of people and cultures. Michelle found joy in many different hobbies, including arts and crafts, cooking and baking, as well as puzzles and games. She was an avid supporter of the Minnesota Vikings and cherished every moment spent with her friends and family. Her faith was very personal for her, and she participated in several international mission trips during her life. Above all else, Michelle believed in showing God's love by loving people exactly as they are.

Of all the titles and names Michelle had throughout her life, her favorite was the one her grandchildren used: Mimi. More than anything, she loved them and treasured making memories with them. Michelle would take a week every summer to plan a stay-cation for her grandchildren, where they would experience new things and learn together. She encouraged her grandchildren and all the children in her life to be learners, readers, and explorers of their world. She was a member of the Minnesota Historical Society and loved the public library.

Her memory lives on through her children, Sarah (Matthew) Barnes and Taylor (Liz) Kryjeski; her grandchildren, Callen Barnes, Lilliana Kryjeski, Henry Barnes, Elijah Kryjeski, and Norah Kryjeski; her siblings Bill (Karen) Grewe, Rick Grewe, Doug (Shirley) Grewe, Betty Grewe, and Bob Grewe; nephews Robert (Rachael) Grewe and Ethan (Maeghan) Grewe; her former husband, Michael Kryjeski Jr.; as well as many dear friends including the Fredericks family.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, William (Jr.) and Mary (Lind) Grewe; her brother Dave Grewe; sister-in-law Theresa Grewe; and close friend Peggy Adams.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 5 at the Maplewood Community Center. The service will start at 11am and celebration lunch to follow in the same location.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to one of the institutions that she loved in Saint Paul such as the East Side Arts Council, where she helped build creativity in the kids in her life, and continued her personal enrichment even after her diagnosis or the Como Zoo which has always been a staple of fun and education for our family, and the community.

Michelle’s warmth and generosity touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

memorial service

Memorial Service

April 5, 2025

Maplewood YMCA Community Center 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109, USA

Celebration of Life lunch to immediately follow service. Please come help us celebrate her life, with lunch, good company and a few games. The far left entrance will lead to the event.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services