Michelle M. Gruhn, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

Michelle M. “Shelli”Gruhn

Date of Birth September 9, 1972
Passed Away On September 11, 2026
At Age 54 years
Resident of Fremont, NE
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Michelle “Shelli” Gruhn, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of the many people whose lives she touched.

Shelli was born on September 9, 1972, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Jerry and Marlene Morgan. In 1973, her family moved to Colorado, returning to Nebraska in 1988. Shelli attended Fremont High School and graduated with the Class of 1990.

In 1998, Shelli married Jeff Miller, and together they welcomed three children: Emma, Izzy, and Nathaniel. Although their marriage later ended in 2014, Shelli continued to devote herself wholeheartedly to her children and family.

Shelli later met the love of her life, Ken Gruhn. The two fell deeply in love and were married in Fremont in 2019. Ken and Shelli were inseparable and shared a beautiful life together. Over the past six years, they opened their hearts and their home to foster many children, giving them love, stability, and a family when they needed it most. In 2024, they made that love permanent when they adopted Taylor, welcoming her fully into their family, along with Darlin.

Shelli was truly the heart of her family. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. She was one of the most generous and selfless people anyone could ever know, with a heart of gold and an unwavering willingness to help others. Shelli would do anything for anyone, often putting the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, laughter, compassion, and enormous heart touched countless lives, and her presence made the world a little brighter for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Shelli’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many children she welcomed into her heart and home. Her legacy will live on through the love she gave so freely and through the countless people who were made better simply by knowing her.

Shelli was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Marlene Morgan, and her beloved son, Nathaniel.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Ken Gruhn; sons, Kenny Gruhn and Kyle Gruhn; daughters, Emma Niewohner (Noah), Izzy Miller, Taylor Sibert-Gruhn, and Katie Gruhn; grandchildren, Emberly, Huxley, Lorna, Bentley, Kolter, Stella, and Laylani; brother, Justin Morgan (Jen); niece, Payton Morgan; nephew, Paxton Morgan; and ex-husband, Jeff Miller. She also leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and countless others whose lives she touched along the way.

Shelli leaves behind a legacy of love that cannot be measured. She taught those around her what it means to give without expecting anything in return, to welcome others with an open heart, and to love fiercely and unconditionally. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will continue through her family, the children she cared for, and every person who was lucky enough to call her friend.

Her life was a gift. Her love was her legacy. And she will never be forgotten.

Family will receive friends Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 4-7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. The memorial service will be 10:30am, Friday, September 18, 2026 at Fremont First United Methodist Church. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
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Services

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

September 17, 2026

With Family 4pm to 7pm

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Funeral Service

Memorial Service

Fremont First United Methodist Church

815 North Broad Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

September 18, 2026

10:30 AM

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Condolences (3)

R
Rod & Nancy Tomrdle Fremont, NE September 15, 2026
"Jeff & all Family: We are so very sorry to hear of Shelli's passing. May wonderful memories forever let her love live on! May the Lord hold all of you in His care & grant you Comfort & Peace of Heart!
Our Deepest Sympathy to all! Rod & Nancy Tomrdle"
J
janice Pascoe fremont, NE September 13, 2026
"My deepest condolences to Ken and family. I knew Shelli through my son, Greg. She was everything that was written in her obituary. A very nice person who had gone through a lot in her life. You can now join your son, Shelli. R.I.P."
M
Marcy Harbeck Wichita, KS September 12, 2026
"Shelli was one of the kindest people I knew. I met her at Midland Lutheran College in 1992 and my life has been blessed since then. My tears are shed because I miss Shelli but also knowing what a loss this must be for her children, husband, brother, cousins, and many friends. I’m trying to be consoled knowing Shelli is seeing her parents, best friend Kellie, and her son Nate again. She is already greatly missed on this Earth though."
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