Michele Catlett

August 7, 1983 - July 20, 2025

Michele Catlett, 41, of Holdrege, departed to her heavenly home on July 20, 2025, at UNMC.

Michele was born on Aug. 7, 1983, in Denver, Colorado, to James and Garneta (Slagel) Cunningham.

Michele graduated from Benson High School in Omaha and was always proud of her Benson Bunny background. She went on to attend Iowa Western College, where she loved being part of the show choir and piano. After graduating, Michele married the love of her life, Joel Catlett, in 2006. Michele and Joel were partners in every aspect of the word through ministry, work and life, with their greatest accomplishments being their beautiful daughters, Leilani and Delaney.

Michele worked towards and achieved her degree at the Supernatural School of Ministry and was later able to draw from her piano and singing training from high school and college so she could lead praise and worship with Joel at church. A very important part of her life was participating in the Mrs. Nebraska program and then moving into directing the Miss Phelps County and Miss Swedish Days local pageants for the Miss Nebraska program. She was an inspiring mentor and friend to so many young ladies in the program and being so involved with others came full circle when she got to watch her daughter Leilani participate in the Miss Nebraska Teen program for the last two years.

One of her favorite roles was being a dance mom to both of her girls through MomenTum Dance Studio. Traveling and watching them do what they love brought her joy. Michele was always striving to learn more and grew tremendously as a person as she immersed herself into various passions like photography, writing and editing, holy yoga and baking. Though she followed her passions, her first and foremost love was always her family. She always made sure to be there for her daughters and was an active participant in family events and business. Her kind smile and laugh often brought levity to even the darkest of situations.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 2022 when she was diagnosed with liver disease. Thus began her three-year fight for life, as her doctors at the Mayo Clinic did everything they could to help her. Though she fought valiantly, in the end, God called her home to rest peacefully with Him and look out for her family from heaven.

She is preceded in death by her father, James, and her sister-in-law, Christine Cunningham.

Michele's kindness and encouragement will be missed most by her husband, Joel; daughters, Leilani and Delaney of Holdrege; mother, Garneta (Roger) Bear of Omaha; brother, Lee Cunningham of Omaha; parents-in-law, Walt and Jolene Catlett of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Cara (Eric) Putman of Lafayette, Indiana, and Janna (Chris) Swan of North Platte; brother-in-law, Joshua (Sarah) Catlett of North Platte; many nieces and nephews; and so many friends she has touched throughout her precious time here.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at carpentermemorial.com.

A Celebration of Life is at 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Harvest Christian Fellowship with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating. Book signing is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by North Platte Telegraph on Jul. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Michele Catlett

Sponsored by Carpenter Memorial Chapel - North Platte.

14 Entries

Carlene Schemper

August 4, 2025

I am so sorry to hear this. May she rest in peace.

Katie Holcomb

July 25, 2025

I am SO sad to hear of Michele's passing. I went to IWCC with her and was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. She was kind and welcoming to all. She had a drive that was inspiring. So thankful to have known her. Praying for Joel and the girls.

Virgene, Rhonda and Melinda Putman

July 25, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of Michele’s home going. We are grateful for the opportunity to know her and your family better when you came to Indiana for Abigail and Hawk’s wedding. We wish we could be there today to celebrate Michele’s life. We are grateful to know there is an eternal family reunion to which we can look forward. We will be keeping your family in our prayers.

Virgene, Rhonda and Melinda Putman

Maxine Berry

July 25, 2025

Michele was one of the sweetest and kindest woman I had the pleasure to know. I’m so sorry that she had to endure so much pain with her liver disease. Our sincerest condolences go out to Joel, Leilani and Delaney for the loss of your beloved wife and mother. May you find peace that she is no longer suffering and is in her eternal home. And may your wonderful memories bring smiles to you all in the months to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Rod and Maxine Berry

Bradley Clark

July 24, 2025

I met Michele when I worked for the Catletts at runza and Joel was my boss. She is a really nice,kind person and such a sweetheart always had a smile on her face. My thoughts & prayers are with Joel & his family right now.

Julie Johnson

July 24, 2025

Michele was a lovely person with whom I am privileged to have become acquainted through teaching Leilani and Delaney. With sympathy and prayers, Mrs. Julie Johnson

Kathy Wheatly

July 24, 2025

What a blessing Michele was. Loved worshipping HIM when she brought HIM forth through worship. Grieving with you for the void in your lives Joel, Leilani, Delaney, Walt, Jolene, and rest of the family, and rejoicing with you also that her journey on this earth is finished & her new one begins. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Margene Horst

July 24, 2025

I express my condolences to family! My heart is sad for all of you. I am a friend of Walt and Jolene from Grand Island. I remember Joel from conferences here at Abundant Life! I can see that Michelle was a beautiful lady inside and out! I was also in the Mrs. NE pageant!
Love and prayers for comfort as you walk through your grieving journey!

Ryan Harrison

July 23, 2025

Can't believe you're gone! You'll be missed! Class Mate of 2002 at Benson High School!

Andrea Vandermeulen

July 23, 2025

She was a bright light in everyone's day. I will never forget our adventures as young teens and the beautiful person she truly was.

Janelle Anderson

July 22, 2025

She was always so incredibly kind and will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.

Nancy Marty

July 22, 2025

I am deeply sorry to hear of Michele’s death. She was such a sweet student in my first grade class at Hartman School, and I was so proud of her many accomplishments throughout her life! I’m keeping all of her family and friends in my prayers!

Brandy Scurlock

July 22, 2025

Michele you will be missed. You left an impact on this world.

Doug Taylor

July 22, 2025

Michele, I love you and thank you for always being there no matter what. Seeing this obituary makes it start to feel real, even though I don't want it to be. You fought hard for so long and have more than earned your place in Heaven and eternal rest. You were one of the most selfless people I have known. I'm sure your dad was right there to greet you as you entered God's kingdom.

To Joel/Leilani/Delaney and the entire family, my deepest and most sincere condolences on your loss. I will be praying for you always.

God bless you all,
Doug

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