Michelle Wetjen, 69, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, June 30, 2023, at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 11:00 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating.  Interment will be in Christ Lutheran Cemetery.  The family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 Am on Saturday, at the church.  Memorials are suggest to Paws & Claws, or the donor's choice.

Michelle Wetjen was born June 29, 1954, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Reinhard and Hulda (Wilke) Henke.  She was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in rural Columbus and confirmed her Christian faith through confirmation at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus.  Michelle graduated from Columbus High School.  She married James Wolf on August 25, 1973 and later married Steve Wetjen on June 25, 1988, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Michelle and Steve owned and operated Tipster's Bar for a number of years.  After earning an associate degree in criminal justice, Michelle began working as a correctional officer at the Platte County Jail, a job that she truly loved.  Michelle enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, visiting with friends, and loved cats.

Michelle is survived by:
Son – Clint Wolf of Columbus, NE
Grandson – Loden Tkaczuk of Omaha, NE
Sister – Bonnie (Lloyd) Abbott of Marquette, NE
Sister – Janet Whitefoot of Fort Calhoun, NE
Sister– Suzanne "Suzy" (Greg) Cochennet of Lincoln, NE
Sister-in-law – Jeanie Henke of Creston, NE
Brother-in-law – Gary Lanka of Loup City, NE

Michelle was preceded in death by:
Father – Reinhard Henke
Mother – Hulda Henke-Miller
Husband – Steve Wetjen
Brother – Duane Henke
Sister – Nancy Lanka
Brother-in-law – Roger Whitefoot

SERVICE FOLDER

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I've found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembering joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.

In Loving Memory Of

Michelle Wetjen

Born
Tuesday, June 29, 1954
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Friday, June 30, 2023
Lincoln, Nebraska

Memorial Service
Saturday, July 8, 2023    11:00 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Patrick Sparling

Music
Ann Cattau & Rachel Wetjen
"Scars In Heaven"
"I Will Rise"
"Tears In Heaven"
"Knowing What I Know About Heaven"

Interment
Christ Lutheran Cemetery
Rural Columbus, Nebraska