Michelle Rath Van Noort

Michelle Don’l (Rath) Van Noort, 56, of Hawarden, Iowa, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at her home. A funeral service will be held Friday, May 2, at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church of Hawarden with Pastor Barb Joy officiating. Burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery of Hawarden. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Thursday, May 1, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the United Methodist Church with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM. Porter Funeral Home of Hawarden has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements for Michelle. 

   Michelle Don’l Rath, daughter of Donald Wayne and Frances Ilenne (Hamm) Rath, was born August 3, 1968, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At a young age, Michelle and her family moved to Iowa where she attended Hinton High School, graduating in 1987. Michelle married Robert Sanders and to this union two daughters were born, Kaylee and Vanessa. The couple later divorced. On October 27, 2012, Michelle was united in marriage with Jeff Van Noort in Hawarden, Iowa where the couple made their home.

   Michelle was a natural caretaker, and it showed in all she did. Whether it was caring for her daughters, time as a daycare provider, or her 32 years working as a certified nursing assistant, Michelle had a big heart and was selfless in taking care of others. Her commitment and dedication made an impact at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Hospice of Siouxland out of Sioux City, and the last 7 years at Hillcrest Health Care Services in Hawarden.

   Michelle had an affinity for dragonflies; their symbolism provided comfort and inspiration after the loss of her father. Her deep love for her family was well known and she always enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed working on various arts and craft projects, listening to 80’s music, singing karaoke, and throwing darts with friends. Her sense of humor and laughter will always be with us.

   Michelle is survived by her husband, Jeff; 2 daughters, Kaylee (Lindsey) Dee and Vanessa (Dereck) Kaskie; mother and step-father, Ilenne and Gerald Johnson; 3 grandchildren, Sabastian Sanders, Ryker Haeder, and Illah Kaskie; 11 additional grandchildren she got to love on after marrying Jeff; brother, Kelly (Cindy) Rath; sister, Donnie (Jon) Froehlich; goddaughter, Lindsey Van Bochove; nieces and nephews, Alex, Jeremiah, Bryley, Avery, and Caydence; 2 sisters-in-law; and 4 brothers-in-law.

   Preceding Michelle in death was her father, Don Rath; niece, Alicia Rath; goddaughter, Alexis Van Bochove; and parents-in-law, Gerrit “Smokey” and Sharon Van Noort.