Michelle Linda Rhen

Michelle Rhen, 54, of Alexandria, MN died Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at her home after a 13-year battle with cancer. Michelle Linda Medenwaldt was born on January 2, 1971, in Alexandria, MN to Roy and Constance (Garvin) Medenwaldt. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1989. In 1991 she took a position as a nanny for the Hanson family in Maple Grove, MN. Over several years of caring for the children, she formed a lasting and unique connection with the family. She thought of the kids as her own and they have remained in each other’s lives since.

Michelle continued her education at Alexandria Technical College receiving her Diploma in the Legal Secretary Program in 1994. Following graduation she worked as a Legal Secretary for Rider Bennett, LLP in Minneapolis, MN. In 2000 she returned to Alexandria and worked as a Legal Assistant for Tillitt McCarten Johnson & Haseman Ltd. In the mix of all her activities she attended college and received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN in 2003. It was during this time through mutual friends that she met Chad on Good Friday. It turned out to be an exceptionally good Friday and on October 9, 2004, the couple married at First Lutheran Church. Chad and Michelle made their home in Alexandria. They were blessed with two children: their son Isak, born in October 2005, and their daughter Nina, born in August 2007.

Michelle had many talents and used her vast knowledge in multiple occupations. She was an Instructor at Alexandria Technical & Community College. A Literacy Tutor with Minnesota Reading Corps at both Woodland and Voyager Elementary Schools in Alexandria. She loved working with the students and helped with the publication of the elementary school yearbooks. She was an Administrative Assistant at First Lutheran Church and an Office Support Specialist in the Douglass County Land & Resource Management Office. She ran the New Skaters program in Alexandria for several years and helped the Alexandria Figure Skating Club, sharing her love for skating. She also volunteered with the children’s ministry at First Lutheran Church for many years.

Michelle was very kind and had a generous heart. She was artistic, funny and sweet. She was a diligent worker who believed in doing things right. She was strong and courageous in her fight with cancer. She was strict, but a caring mother and wife who loved her family. She enjoyed attending the kids’ activities. She had an outgoing personality with irresistible laughter. She loved the outdoors, whether it was planting shrubs or flowers, working with the compost or going camping with family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. She baked the best chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies. She baked beautifully decorated cakes for family occasions and always wanted to make green bean casserole for family gatherings. She was a great photographer, enjoyed scrapbooking and cherished working on family genealogy. All family and friends will deeply miss her.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Chad Rhen of Alexandria; son Isak of East Grand Forks, MN; daughter Nina of Alexandria; parents Roy & Constance of Alexandria; brother Matthew (Elizabeth) Medenwaldt of Bulverde, TX; sister Dianna (Chris) Roers of Alexandria; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Time of Remembrance at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to any organization that supports cancer research that has touched your life, First Lutheran Church or KT Humble Hearts.