Michele Ann (Gernaat) Goyette

On December 7, 2024, Michele Ann (Gernaat) Goyette passed away surrounded by her family.

Michele was born on October 13, 1968, to William C. Gernaat and Kathleen (Brownell) Woeppel in Great Falls, Montana. Michele was raised in Great Falls until she moved to Havre with her mom. She graduated from Havre High School in 1987.

Michele’s relationship with Jesus Christ was a big part of Michele’s life. She invited Jesus into her heart at the Big Sky Apantao Christmas Retreat in December of 1984. Michele met the love of her life, Larry Goyette, and they married in June of 1989. Larry and Michele have three (3) children, Caleb, Naomi, and Joel.

During Michele’s life she lived in Great Falls, Havre, Conrad, East Helena, and returned to Great Falls in 2023.

She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education in 1999 from the University of Great Falls. Michele then obtained her master’s degree in counseling in May of 2020 from Montana State University Billings (Go Cats!). Michele was immensely proud of obtaining her master’s degree.

She was a special education teacher, teacher, and counselor for a total of fifteen (15) years. She enjoyed pouring into the next generation of young minds.

Michele also served alongside her husband in the ministry for over thirty (30) years.

As a child, she loved going to her grandparents’ farms, singing, and reading, which continued throughout her life.

Michele adored her grandchildren. Going on walks with her children and grandchildren brought her joy. She was an incredible cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. Michele had a passion for gardening and canning. It was important for Michele to have her annual trip to Glacier National Park (where she got engaged and it was also the last trip she took).

Michele’s favorite way to spend the day was having her home filled with her family, the laughter and teasing filled her heart with joy. Michele had a sense of humor and was quite a jokester. She often short-sheeted beds and she even snuck layers of wax paper into sandwiches. Nothing was off limits with her!

Michele was incredibly strong in her battle against cancer but said “throughout my battle, no matter what happens, I want God to be glorified.”

More than anything else, she loved Jesus and had an unwavering faith in God.

Michele is survived by her husband, Larry Goyette; son, Caleb (Sydney) Goyette; daughter,  Naomi  (Neal) Schranz; and son, Joel Goyette; her seven grandchildren, Brodie Goyette, Isaac Goyette, Abigail Goyette, Stetson Goyette, Claire Schranz, Brooklynn Schranz, Mia Schranz; her mother, Kathleen (Allan) Woeppel; Mary Gernaat, more than a stepmom (wife of Bill Gernaat); siblings, Darin (Dawn) Woeppel, Quinton Woeppel, Laurice (Doug) Cady, Drew Woeppel, and Jacqueline (Titus) Bergren; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Bill and Jessie Gernaat, Angie Gernaat, Robert and Viola Brownell, Louisa Woeppel, Elmer and Alice Moeller; and her father, William (Bill) C. Gernaat.

The memorial service will be held on January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at New City Church, 205 River Drive South, Great Falls, Montana 59405.