Michele Riesselman

Michele (Paulsen) Riesselman was born on October 20, 1961, to Doris and Gene Paulsen. She was the second of five children, and spent her childhood growing up between St. Paul, Minnesota and the Orlando, Florida area. 

Michele met her husband Mike at the Gold Rush in Cottage Grove, Minnesota in 1986. They were married on February 20, 1988, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where they resided through the birth of their first daughter, Holly. They moved back to Cottage Grove a few years later, and had their second daughter, Nina.

Michele worked as a NICU nurse at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville for over 30 years before she retired in October of 2023. She made countless positive connections with the families that she worked with during her tenure and loved sharing these stories with her family and friends.

Michele brought joy to everyone she encountered. She was always the first to share a kind word or give a compliment. She was the sunshine to everyone around her. She loved summer and spending time out on her deck with her big straw hat, soaking in the warmth. She will be forever missed, but the overwhelming positivity that she shared with anyone she touched will live on.

Michele is survived by her husband, Mike; daughters, Holly (Brad) English and Nina (Keith) Shaughnessy; granddaughter, Reese English; and siblings, Steve (Kristi) Paulsen, Debbie Paulsen, Deanna Paulsen, and Pam (Ed) Beeler.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the staff at Woodwinds Hospital for the exceptional care she received during this time. 

Celebration of Life will take place at 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with visitation beginning at 4:00 PM at Kok Funeral Home 7676 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016. All are invited to stay for a reception following the service.