Obituary

Stella E. Michels, 14, of Chippewa Falls, Town of Eagle Point, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN, and was welcomed into His Kingdom with open arms.

Stella was born February 25, 2010, in Eau Claire, the daughter of Chris and Danielle (Kopp) Michels.

From a young age, Stella possessed a remarkable sense of humor that brightened every room she entered. She had the unique ability to connect with people of all ages, effortlessly bringing joy to both the young and the old. An old soul with a natural gift for understanding others, Stella was known as a “baby whisperer” able to calm and engage with even the littlest ones. Her love for sports, especially water sports, was matched only by her selflessness and determination to always give her best. Stella’s spirit animal was a sloth, reflecting her knack for balancing the demands of family, friends, and life, while always taking time to enjoy each moment. She lived with a quiet wisdom, knowing how to appreciate the simple joys and share her light with those around her.

Stella is survived by her parents; one sister, Eva Michels; paternal grandfather, Duane “Squeak” and Andrea Michels of Chippewa Falls; maternal grandparents, Douglas E. and Elizabeth Kopp of Chippewa Falls; maternal great-grandparents, Roger and Carol Guse of Pigeon Falls and Celina Kopp of Whitehall; and many other friends and relatives.

Stella was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Ann Michels; paternal great-grandparents, Jerome and Alvira Michels and Kenny and Dorothy Germain; and maternal great-grandfather, Douglas R. Kopp.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8 at Jacob’s Well in Chippewa Falls. Pastor Grace Subiaga will officiate the funeral service. A private burial will take place at Eagleton Cemetery after the service with immediate family. Luncheon to follow at Jacob's Well.

Visitation will be from 4pm-7pm Friday, February 7, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Saturday also at Jacob’s Well.

Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com

Donations in her honor to Gillette Children’s Hospital can be made at General Giving Page - Make a Donation or to The Ronald McDonald House at Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE: 

Funeral services for Stella E. Michels were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8 at Jacobs Well Church in the village of Lake Hallie.

Interment was in Eagleton Cemetery in the town of Eagle Point.

Music during the service was provided by the church. A eulogy was given by her father, Chris Michels.

Casket bearers were her sister, Eva Michels and cousins, Kiara Lamb, Jaidyn Michels, Cooper and Nellie Cairns, Vaia, Lena and Illa Holum. And Chris, Nick and Squeak Michels, Doug Kopp and Shane Holum.