Michelle M. Kluender, age 47 of Kiester, MN died Saturday, June 27, 2026 surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, July 6th, 2026 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Kiester with visitation from 1:00-2:00pm. Pastor Chad Christensen will be officiating with burial at Fairview Cemetery North of Kiester.

Michelle Marie was born August 29,1978 to Jimmy and Robin (Harig) Selvidge in Albert Lea. Michelle graduated from United South Central High School in 1997 and continued her education at MSU-Mankato. Michelle married Jason Kluender March 20, 1999 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Kiester. She obtained her Masters in Education from St. Mary’s University. She taught 1st and 2nd grades in Albert Lea Area Schools. She loved watching her students grow up and following their lives through the years.

She was very active in her community; she was a member of the Kee Women, the Fireman’s Auxiliary and a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Kiester. Through the years, she held various leadership roles in the schools where she supported and strengthened fellow educators and students including the ALEA and the Sunshine Committee.

Michelle loved to travel and explore new places with her family and friends. Bus trips, camping adventures, side by side trips or cruises, she was up for anything and had every detail planned. A few of her favorites included Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park and an Alaskan cruise to celebrate her and Jason’s 25th anniversary.

When she wasn’t out traveling, Michelle enjoyed reading, make cards, painting and craft classes, admiring pictures of silly animals that made her smile during her treatments. She loved history, genealogy and most importantly kids.

She is preceded in death by her father; grandparents Bob and Marlys Harig.

Michelle is survived by her husband Jason; her children: Brennan and Katelyn; her mother Robin; step-father Glaydon Grunhovd; sister Jessica Smith and her family; mother and father-in-law Roxann and Larry Kluender; brothers and sister-in-law Daniel, Kelly, & Ben and their families; grandmother-in-law Elaine Kluender; and numerous friends and extended family members.