Michelle Feenstra

Friday would have been Michelle's 50th birthday. I was thinking about how blessed I was to have her in my life and about the woman she was. Last week I was reading in Proverbs and came across a verse that she had marked in her bible. Proverbs 20:5, "The purpose of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out." That was her passion, helping others to be their best. Thanks so much for my friends at Building Champions for keeping her memory alive. Lord bless.

Michelle, I have thought of you often and wondered how and where you were. I had looked for you on FB a few times with no luck because I didn't know your last name all I knew was Kaber. I had received the invitation to your wedding several years back and that was the last I had heard from you. Today as I was rummaging through old papers and pictures I ran across the invitation and was so excited to get your last name off of it. I raced to the computer to look for you only to find this news... how devastating. I had no idea. And now after reading all the posts and comments about you it just reminds me of what an awesome person you were and to see that your life and your witness only got better with time. I so regret not trying harder to find you. It was so much fun working with you back in the day at Citizens Savings and Loan. And coming up to Portland to have our girls nights. You were always so smart and classy. We used to laugh so much. Thank you for the time you dressed up as Santa and came to the hospital to see us when my daughter was born, you tried so hard to cheer my son up. He was so upset to know that he had a little sister who would be coming home for Christmas. I will remember and cherish those days forever. I will sign off using your old signature...Because of Him!

I just listened to the podcast about Michelle and was really touched. I was working with young people for menny years helping them in life future. Today I am a business man working with sales. I live in Sweden and after hearing the story about Michelle I really waked up. What is my purpose and what are the things I am really ment to do so others will find thier life.

I met Michelle in the mid-80's. We both worked at Image Improvement in Salem, Oregon. It was a fun time for both of us and we were great friends. I got married in July of 1989 and Michelle was one of my bridemaids. After my marriage we lost touch with one another. It was quite a shock when I learned of her death last night. I'm just glad I had a chance to know a very beautiful person. We never know what tomorrow may bring. I certainly did not expect Michelle to be gone so early in her life. She will be missed.

I love you and miss you "sis."

We have special memories of our Michelle on this, her birthday. We were VERY thrilled to have a daughter added to our family when she was born 47 years ago, and we were so proud to show her off to our church family 8 days later on Easter Sunday of 1961. The Lord blessed us with her life and He blessed us over and over again as we heard of the lives that she touched by her strong faith in the Lord. I was thinking today of how happy we were on the day of her birth, but how much more important was the day she was 'born again'! That is what gives our family the firm assurance that we will once again be with her when life on this earth ends for us. Although we still miss her very much, we know that she is in an indescribably wonderful place, enjoying the presence of the Lord and other family members! We can be totally at peace knowing that she is 'safely home'! We'll always love you, Michelle...

Although I did not know Michelle personally, I recently had the privilege of meeting her husband Chuck. Chuck and I just completed "Riders Edge", which is a motorcycle safety training class. Chuck shared some of his past with me, and his wonderful memories of his wife Michelle. Their zest for life and his personal commitment of taking a terrible tragedy and turning that into inspiration to live life to it's fullest has inspired me to live each day giving it 110%. My life has been enriched by meeting Chuck and hearing of his love, devotion and inspiration from Michelle. I have been blessed by this new friendship, from both Chuck, and Michelle's memory.

Michelle you are still being missed deeply. I had an urge to see your smile today, so came to this site, and realized just how much I miss you. I never posted when you first went to be with our Lord, but I realized it is never "too late". So, I think of you often, and have selfish days in which I wish you were still here, but I know you are in the safest, most glorious place of all...you ar home. I love you, and miss you deeply. Thank you for leavig such an amazing print on my life.

Wow. I knew Michelle very well, when she was in Salem and we both went to the Nazzarine Church Bible study on Wed. nites in the late 80's. I have many good memories of Michelle...but the one that always stood out...and this also told me what kind of person she really was...was when my my brother died at 31 (I was 28)...and I was totally heartbroken and many people were very kind then...but when I told Michelle (and she never met him mind you)...she had tears welling up in her eyes. I always loved her for that. I am just beyond thirlled to know she was saved. Especially now.

Yes...it's been a year. Today I was thinking, "If Michelle were standing right here -- where would I even begin? What would I say?" I'd say...you were right about so many things. She'd know EXACTLY what I was talking about -- there's no need to elaborate. So, Michelle, here's to ya. I still thank God for the uniqueness that was you -- and always will. For your "bring it on" perspective, your unconditional support, and your unvarnished honesty. You were a true friend. When we get together again, it's gonna be a very good time.

Michelle, It has been more than a year since you passed from earth. Chuck has since come to work with his new family here at Alpine Mortgage. He is a man on fire and he thinks of you everyday and bases his enourmously tough daily decisions on "What would Michelle want me to do" and "WWJD". I cant think of a bigger compliment than to tell someone what an impact they have had on your life. Even though you are no longer here in body I want you to know that you have impacted my life in ways I can't explain.The fact is that Chuck has been a mentor to many about living life on purpose and treating each day as though it is your last. Your marriage and life together through Christ is a testimony to others of how humans can rely on each other and most importantly GOD for strength, knowledge, compassion and healing. As I have watched Chuck go through this healing process I have come to belive that without his faith in Christ that was forged partially by your death he would be lost. Instead his passion for Christ has grown to previously unknown heights. He is truely setting the example that would have you saying to him simply...I am proud of you!

I got an unusual call from my coach, Jamey Nordby, this morning. As I looked at the number on my cell phone, I was afraid to answer 'cause I thought it was another creditor calling, or the mortgage company, or someone else needing money. I had just spoken to my husband Mark about having to terminate my coaching contract, as I was unsure if I could continue making the payments. I was afraid Jamey was going to tell me they just couldn't have me as a coaching client any longer because once again, I was late on the payment. I had just prayed earlier in the week that God would show me if he wanted me to continue with coaching. Well... got my answer. Jamey called to tell me I was the first recipient of the Michelle Feenstra Scholarship Fund and my coaching will be paid for the rest of my contract. There are no words to express the flood of joy, blessing, thankfulness, shock, awe, etc., etc. I wanted to hug everyone at BCI, and especially the wonderful, wonderful person in Accounting who came up with the idea. If I see you at the next Sales Mastery, look out girl! You'll get what my 6-year old calls a "squish hug." And to Michelle - you still live on. May God continue to use this fund to bless the lives of women in this industry, and may He continue to bless your family, Michelle, as they intend to celebrate your life by touching others. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Carol Kaber is a long-time friend. I recently came back to Oregon and had a talk with Carol and learned of Michelle's going to heaven. As I have read the account of her life and the wonderful comments from friends and colleagues I am amazed at the impact of her life in such a short span. I congratulate you as a company to give her this honor on your website. I have worked with John Maxwell at Equip for several years and am so aware how important it is to have excellent coaching in any arena of life. Michelle, obviously was one of the best. May God continue to use her life and the impact she had on those around her to affect His Kingdom until we see His Face.

I found out yesterday through my friend Connie about Michelle's death. Needless to say I was completely shocked and am filled with heartache. I haven't seen Michelle for several years but have thought of her often. During the years that I attended the Nazerene church in Salem we became friends. I too had went on that fun trip to Bend, OR and got to meet her parents. Michelle was such a wonderful person and helped me so much through her encouraging words over those years. She was always so positive and loving to me and so many others. The Lord truly used her life to reflect his heart. I look so forward to that day when we can see each other in heaven.

I only just heard of your passing, Michelle, about 20 minutes ago when Chuck sent me a letter in response to the Christmas card I sent you. What a shock!!! We obviously have not kept in touch frequently in recent years, but you were always in my heart. I first met you when I moved to Salem, Oregon about oh, I don't know, a hundred years ago or so. I was new to First Church of the Nazarene and new to Oregon. You and I met and you proceeded to introduce me to all your friends. A group of us girls had a Bible study in your tiny studio apartment in Keizer and 4 of those girls (you were one of them) became my life long friends. Our group took a trip to your parents house in Bend and we went skiing at Mt. Bachelor. I also remember many lunch dates both in Salem and later in Portland as I was finishing up college. I also remember teaching you how to play raquetball. In no time flat, you had mastered the game and quickly passed my skill level. I was so happy for you when you married Chuck (and a little jealous that you had found your man). Later, when I met and married my husband, Kevin, I understood your joy more. Even though we haven't seen each other much in the past 10 years, I miss you all the same. I have pictures of our adventures together with our group of friends from the Nazarene church. If anyone would like a copy I would be happy to e-mail them. You can reach me at: kckrist@verizon.net. What a grand reunion we will have in heaven. With fond memories and a grateful heart at having known you.