In loving memory of

Michelle Lynn Cali
June 3, 1964 - March 27, 2019

MICHELLE CALI
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Michelle Lynn Cali, 54, of Muscatine, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic's, after a courageous battle against cancer.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Reverend Tom Berryman of the Island United Methodist Church will officiate. Casket bearers will be Nathan Meisgeier, Kyle Guldenpfennig, Justin Saddler, Billy Luttrull, David Dean, and Craig Steffen. Burial will take place in Letts Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 until 7 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Muskie Early Learning Center. Please denote in the memo line of checks: for the Michelle Cali Memorial Fund. Funds will be used for the Cali Sensory Room, supplying the room with the materials and equipment needed.

Michelle was born on June 3, 1964, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of William Fredrick and Joyce Pauline McWilliams Guldenpfennig. She was a graduate of Louisa-Muscatine High School, class of 1982, Muscatine Community College, with her Associate's degree, class of 1984, and the University of Northern Iowa in 1987 with her degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She was united in marriage with Frank David Cali on August 30, 1986, at the Letts United Methodist Church.

She taught early childhood special education for 32 years. It was her passion and calling. She will be remembered for her fun energy in the classroom and positive impact she had on the many children she had the pleasure of teaching.

She was a life-time Girl Scout and had achieved her Gold Award. She was very active with the Island United Methodist Church where she served as past education director, vacation bible school coordinator, she also held several different positions on the church board and led music during services.

She loved pigs and had an extensive collection of pig figurines, statues, stuffed animals, etc.

She was an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be missed by many.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, F. David Cali of Muscatine; her daughters, Melissa Marie Cali Meisgeier and husband, Nate, of Maplewood, Minnesota, and Rebecca Antonia Cali of Muscatine; one granddaughter, Kathryn Michelle; her mother, Joyce Guldenpfennig of Letts; two brothers, Mitchell Guldenpfennig and wife, Janet, and Matthew Guldenpfennig and wife, Sara, all of Letts; nieces and nephews, Kyle Guldenpfennig and wife, Kendra, Megan Guldenpfennig, Caitlyn Guldenpfennig, Justin Saddler, and Brennan Saddler; one sister-in-law, Pamela Saddler and husband, Larry, of Houston, Texas; and her mother-in-law, Mary Nell Cali of Hammond, Louisiana.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Bill Guldenpfennig, on March 19, 2005; her father-in-law, Frank Cali on June 2, 2018; and a niece, Carson Elizabeth Saddler in infancy.

Tributes

Robin Beneda Grimmett wrote on Apr 5, 2019:

"Mish, I can't believe you are gone. I am so deeply sad that you won't have more time here on earth with David--the love of your life, your girls, your mom, your now and future grandbabies, and the rest of your family and friends. I do know you will always be looking out for all of those you love until you can be together again. I am so fortunate, and I thank God daily, that I got to have you in my life. I will always cherish our youthful adventures and your friendship. "

Linda Strause wrote on Apr 2, 2019:

"My deepest sympathy to Michelle's family. Heart felt prayers are with you all."

Jim and Diane Hancock wrote on Apr 2, 2019:

"Our sincere sympathy to Michelle's family. Our prayers are with you and may God give you his peace and comfort as you treasure the beautiful memories."

Adam Drawbaugh wrote on Apr 1, 2019:

"I have known Michelle as one of my greatest school teacher and as a friend at the Island United Methodists. Michelle has put a lot of impact on many of her school kids. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Many condolences. Gone too soon. Adam Drawbaugh"

The Oberhauses wrote on Mar 31, 2019:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cali and Guldenpfennig families. Michelle was a light that brightened so many others' lives and we feel so fortunate to have counted her among our friends. "

Dennis Brooke wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"When the person you are closest to is gone, hold on to their memories and know that they are always with you."

Christie C wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10."

Kimberly Bowman wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Miss Michelle was my daughter's preschool teacher. She was an amazing human being, and an even better educator. She left a very deep impact on the Muscatine community, and she will not be forgotten. We will definitely all be grieving the loss. "

Violet Fenn wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Becca, I am so sorry to learn of your mother?s passing. From your posts on Facebook and in the conversations we had while we were at Garrett, I can tell how close you were to her. Mamas are very special people. Prayers for comfort and peace for you and your family. Violet Fenn "

Danita Last wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Michelle, I first knew you as Mitch?s little sister, then a school friend, but the best I knew you was Adam?s teacher. The positive impact that you had on him and I?m sure all of your students will live on. You were an amazing teacher, shining very brightly in the classrooom. May your family find comfort in all of the hearts and minds that you?ve loved and shaped. May you Rest In Peace....Gone too soon. Many condolences, Danita Last"

Grace Steckman wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"It is difficult to say good-bye to this amazing Christian woman and friend. Michelle, though you are leaving us far too soon, your loving memory will live long in our hearts. Your shining smile and positive example leaves us with much love and admiration for the short but beautiful life you have lived. I believe heaven is a much brighter place with you in it. Enjoy your time with Jesus and your loved ones gone before. My prayers are for your family. May God comfort them and bring to their memories many happy occasions. May they feel God's strength as they face life's challenges without you and may they always have a friend to lift them from the dispair of those lonely hours without you. In Christian Love, Grace Steckman"