Michelle Lenza Furstenau

Michelle Lenza Furstenau, 39, of Chicago and formerly of New Orleans, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on February 1, 2025. Beloved wife of Jimmy Furstenau; friend to many; cherished granddaughter of Mary Leah and Dale Doll; daughter of Beth (the late Mark) Pearce and Bill Lenza. 

Michelle was a longtime bartender who also worked as a journalist, audio tech, and certified welder, amongst many other things. She was a pet mom and rescue advocate, skateboarder, surfer, motorcycle enthusiast, pool shark and an avid reader. 

To have known Michelle is to know she was so much more than words could contain. She was bold and loving, with a sharp tongue and a soft hand to hold. She never shied from an adventure or challenge, and lived her many lives like a force to be reckoned with. But she was endlessly generous, always with an open ear, a shoulder, a drink her friends could rely on. She had a knack for making strangers feel like old friends, and never hesitated to stand up in defense of what was right. She showed the world the meaning of Big Love, and she is a fire in our hearts that will never dim - in this lifetime or the next. In her words, Michelle wants you to "Go out and kick today's ass!"

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL