Michelle Dykstra

Michelle M. Dykstra, age 53, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Wellington Place in Biron, WI.
A celebration of life will be held from Noon until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home.

Michelle was born on September 1, 1972, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to Keith and Sandra (Boardman) Gotz. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids with the class of 1991. She furthered her education at Mid-State Technical College, earning a certificate in Business Administration.

She married Derek Dykstra on June 20, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards.

Michelle worked as a bartender at several area establishments, where she enjoyed meeting people and making connections with those around her. She loved singing karaoke and playing darts, including as a member of the Sunday Funday team and the Fun League at Camelot. She enjoyed going to many Badger sporting events and Brewer games. Michelle especially treasured the time she spent with her nieces and nephews and cherished the memories she made with family and friends.

Michelle had a generous heart and found great joy in giving back to others and helping people in her community in any way she could. She especially enjoyed gathering with friends and family during the holidays and spending those special moments together. In her spare time, she liked watching The Sopranos and Gothika. In her younger years, Michelle enjoyed gymnastics and ballet, and she loved showing off her dance moves for her sister.

Michelle is survived by her loving husband, Derek; her father, Keith Gotz; her mother and stepfather, Thomas and Sandra Vollert; her children, Antonio (Madi Briggs) Lyp, Kyra Bula; her stepchildren Hailey Dykstra, and Derian Dykstra; her grandson, Vinnie Lyp; her sister Mindy (James Schier) Gotz; her brother Mat (Becky) Gotz; her special friend and caregiver Tya Ortiz; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Keith (Loraine) Boardman; paternal grandparents Walter (Hattie) Gotz; and great-nephew Remi Hutkowski.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Wellington Place, Park Place Adult Day Services, Moments Hospice and the Aspirus Riverview Hospital Emergency Room for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Michelle.