Obituary of Dorothy Lou Michels

Dorothy Lou Michels lived her life gracefully and artistically. She was born on April 12, 1949 in Lamberton, Minnesota, but lived most of her life in Minnetonka and Chanhassen. After a long struggle with vascular dementia, she passed peacefully at Summerwood Chanhassen on November 26, 2024.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Julie Fleischhacker, her son Chad Fleischhacker, her sisters Mary (Sy) Roerick, Kathleen Michels and Carolyn Michels, and her friend Nancy Wiens.

Art was Dorothy’s passion; she painted in acrylics and water colors. Georgia 0’Keefe was a major influence in her style. Dorothy took many classes at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts and sold several paintings.

Dorothy owned her own company, specializing in bookkeeping, taxes and special projects. When strokes impacted her memory, she retired and moved to SummerWood Chanhassen.

Dorothy loved dancing, walking, travelling, owning unusual art pieces and clothes. Not only was integrity important to Dorothy, but she was kind in articulating feelings and ideas.

Celebration of life will take place at the Cremation Society of Edina in spring. Watch this site for details. Dorothy will be buried privately at Michels Tree Memorial in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.