October 17, 1964 - January 16, 2025
Michele Rae Johanson, age 60, of Minnetonka, passed away on January 16, 2025.
She is survived by her son, Brock Molden; daughter, Tara Molden; grandson, Trygg Floyd; parents, Ronald and Roxanne Johanson; sister, Shari Larson; and Arthur Hamann.
Let us celebrate today and every day the beautiful life of Michele Rae, a woman whose vibrant presence and indomitable spirit enriched the lives of everyone she touched.
Michele’s sense of connection shaped her world in profound ways, most notably in creating a family rich in love, trust and belonging. Her love and loyalty ever constant. Her life a testament to the power of seeing family not just as something you are born into, but something you choose and nurture. Her open heart brought people together and embraced them as her own, each a vital thread in the tapestry of her life.
Michele put her heart and soul into her career. She led her salons with unparalleled talent, poise and creativity. A master stylist and gifted mentor, she enhanced the lives of countless colleagues and clients. Still, she was so much more than her craft, her work was an extension (no pun intended) of the radiant person she was… reflecting her warmth, kindness and optimism. Challenges were met head-on, with quiet determination and the unwavering belief that no problem was too big to overcome.
Who can forget early in her career those “Family Hair” days; a reoccurring event hosted at various homes much like a progressive dinner party… where beauty and laughter abounded.
If you were lucky enough to travel with Michele, you found in her an open spirit where anything goes with gusto, adventure and wonder. Whether in simple moments with friends and family or traveling with a lucky companion, her energy and laughter were infectious and her ability to find joy in the smallest things contagious.
When cancer returned with a vengeance, Michele waged her war with incredible strength and quiet resilience, refusing to be defined by her illness. She fought for the people she loved and the life she held so dear. Even when her great light was obscured by the tremendous burden she carried, her kindness and love shone through.
Though her life was cut far too short, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely.
Certainly, she is acutely missed, but her battle is done, and her boundless spirit soars. Her brilliant light and love live on in each of us.
From the poet Jane Kenyon*
“I am the musk rose opening unattended, the fern on the boggy summit…
I am the one whose love overcomes you, already with you when you think to call my name”
*Jane Kenyon poem ‘Briefly it Enters, Briefly it Speaks’ from ‘The Boat of Quiet Hours’
Celebration of Life
Friday, January 31, 2025
2:00PM - 5:00PM
Minnesota Valley Country Club
6300 Auto Club Road
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
Rest in peace precious daughter. Love, Mom & Dad
My sweet friend Michele, always a big smile, even bigger heart, and so much energy. Talented and determined beyond measure, everything she did was with enthusiasm. So many memories that go way back. My heart is heavy when I see her FB picture – there we are! The Kennedy crew. I just saw Michele not too long ago, we said we would get together soon. I am so sad that it wasn’t soon enough. My heart goes out to her family at this time of loss.
Suzanne Schmitz
I am so sorry and in shock to hear of Michele’s passing. I moved away from MN 10 years ago but before that I followed Michele as my hairdresser for many years. When ever she would leave a salon, I followed her anywhere she went since she was so great with my difficult hair. She labored intensely doing many hair extensions for me and every get together was a fun one. She was never in a bad mood and kept me up on her children and their activities. She was so sweet and nice. I am hoping she did not struggle at her end and is free and at peace.
You will be sooo missed by me and so many others. Peace to you and love to you
Michele, you will be forever loved and missed. Your soul will live on in your beautiful children, Tara and Brock and grandson, Trygg.
I pray they will be taken care of, checked in on, and shown support by the entire village not just in this time, but as they continue to navigate life ahead.
If anyone would like to contribute support for them, below is the link I created to do so:
https://gofund.me/e3f13da2
Michelle my sweet friend. I will never forget what you taught me and how you changed the trajectory of my life. I will miss our pool/hot tub gatherings and happy hours. There will never be another like you. I know how much you adored your children and Trygg. All of you so lucky to have each other. I know you will be protecting your ‘tribe’ from your beautiful forever home. So, so much love to you and your family.
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Michele. We spent many many hours together while she did my hair and she talked endlessly about her love for her children. She also listened with patience to all my dumb stories! We talked a lot about our faith and I watched her lean on the Lord with grace and acceptance as she dealt with her illness. You’re mom was one of a kind and will be very much missed. Sending you all lots of love.