Michelle Diane Kresge, aged 37, tragically passed away on April 18, 2020, in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Michelle was born on May 30, 1982, in Bozeman, Montana. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, known for her love of history, the outdoors, and her involvement in the Living History Society. Michelle graduated from Forest Lake High School in 2000 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Montana State University in 2005. She worked for Taymark Corp. in White Bear Lake and was cherished by her colleagues and friends.
The incident leading to Michelle's death occurred at the family's residence on Henna Avenue N. in Forest Lake. On the night of April 18, 2020, Michelle was fatally shot by her brother, Phillip Ryan Kresge, aged 39. Phillip entered Michelle's basement bedroom and fired multiple shots at intermediate range, resulting in her death. Following the shooting, Phillip fled to a pole barn on the property, where he subsequently took his own life with the same handgun.
Authorities responded to a 911 call and arrived at the scene to find Michelle deceased inside the home. A gunshot was heard from the pole barn, prompting officers to enter and discover Phillip mortally wounded. The Washington County Sheriff's Office led the investigation, but the motive behind the tragic event remains undisclosed. The handgun used in the incident was also under investigation to determine its ownership.
No arrests were made as the suspect, Phillip Kresge, died at the scene. The incident left the Kresge family and the Forest Lake community in mourning, as they grappled with the loss of both Michelle and Phillip.
