Michelle Leah Dunn

LAKE BENTON–Michelle Leah Dunn was born on April 25, 1966, in St. James, Minnesota, to Thomas and Shirley (Redmond) Sargent. She attended St. James Public School where she graduated in 1985. Growing up, she was an energetic spirit–running track, dancing on the dance line, bowling, hanging out with neighborhood friends playing basketball, softball and yard games. She loved and was always thankful for her second parents, Don and Judy Mickelson, who treated her like one of their own! On September 5, 1986, she married her high school sweetheart, Anthony Dunn at St. James Methodist Church. In 1988 they moved to Lake Benton, Minnesota where they built a life full of love and laughter. They enjoyed spending time riding motorcycles, traveling and going to the lake. Michelle and Anthony were blessed with two sons, Matthew and Mark. Michelle found happiness in raising her boys. She loved cheering them on at the races, attending their wrestling matches and taking them on family vacations, especially spending Christmas in the Black Hills. She enjoyed helping with chores on the family farm, she was passionate about animals, especially her dogs. Michelle took pride in her work at local convenience stores where she found joy in greeting familiar faces and visiting with members of the community.

Family was always at the heart of Michelle’s life. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children and her five cherished grandchildren, she adored every moment they shared together. She attended many of the grandkids’ sporting events and other activities, and always had a smile on her face. She loved her time soaking up the sun at their Arizona home during the winters. Michelle’s warmth and kindness shone through in everything she did. Michelle brought joy and light to everyone who knew her. Michelle Leah Dunn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at her home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 59.

Her memory will be lovingly carried forward by her husband, Anthony of Lake Benton; sons, Matthew (Brooke) Dunn of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Mark (Tasha) of Lake Benton; grandchildren, Kinley, Lincoln, Teagan, Ava, and Nora; sister, Cathy Hauer; in-laws, George and Virginia Dunn; brother-in-law, Troy (Marilyn) Dunn; special friends, Don and Judy Mickelson and many other family and friends who were fortunate enough to know her. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Sargent; mother and step-father Shirley and Sanford Hagen; infant brother, Matthew; cousin, Brad Redmond; grandparents, Irvin and Minnie Sargent and Leonard and Wilma Redmond.

Michelle’s life was a testament to love, strength, and dedication. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.