Green Bay, Wisconsin – The Green Bay community is mourning the loss of Michelle Stimpson, a respected business executive, faith leader, and mentor whose influence reached far beyond boardrooms and church walls. Known for her trademark openness and encouragement, Stimpson leaves behind a legacy defined by service, courage, and a rare ability to make people feel both seen and empowered.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Northeast Wisconsin, particularly among those connected to CRE8 Church, Green Bay Community Church, and the local real estate and homebuilding industries where she spent decades shaping culture and leadership.
A Conversation That Became a Calling
One of the most shared memories of Stimpson centers on a chance meeting at the atrium of Lambeau Field, a place synonymous with civic pride in Green Bay. There, during a mutual friend’s birthday celebration, she was told about a fledgling idea to start a church.
Her response was immediate and characteristic: “Sit down. I want to hear the whole story—tell me everything, I’m in.”
What was expected to be a brief exchange turned into an hour-long, deeply personal conversation. Friends recall how she leaned in, asked thoughtful questions, and affirmed the vision that would become CRE8 Church. That moment, many say, encapsulated her approach to life—present, curious, and ready to support meaningful work.
Leadership Rooted in Humanity
Stimpson served for more than 20 years as a senior leader at Lexington Homes, Inc., later also working as a broker associate with Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group. Colleagues describe her as an industry trendsetter who prioritized authenticity over hierarchy.
“She didn’t just manage people—she developed them,” said one former colleague. “Michelle believed strong businesses are built by whole, supported humans.”
That philosophy extended to families. She encouraged employees’ children to gain early work experience through the office or side ventures like Jumping Bean Bouncers, and she was known to show up in personal moments—celebrating births, offering counsel during grief, and checking in during life’s hardest seasons.
Faith, Loss, and Courage
In June 2024, Stimpson shared her personal story during a CRE8 Church sermon titled “Named.” With grace and honesty, she spoke about the profound meaning of names, revealing that streets in Hobart—Adriana Court, Isabella Circle, and Stella Court—were named in honor of her infant daughters who died.
Those who attended recall a room held in quiet reverence as she modeled how faith can coexist with grief. It was a moment that reinforced her role not just as a leader, but as a guide through life’s most vulnerable experiences.
A Community Responds
Stimpson was a founding member of CRE8 Church and a regular attender at Green Bay Community Church. Friends describe her as a faithful wife, compassionate mother, beloved aunt, and loyal friend.
“There are truly no words to describe how special she was,” wrote Gabby Noack in a tribute shared online. “I will forever miss you, think about you, and honor you.”
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday at Green Bay Community Church, officiated by Pastor Troy Murphy.
Why Her Story Matters
In an era when leadership is often measured by metrics alone, Michelle Stimpson’s life offers a different standard—one rooted in empathy, faith, and long-term investment in people. Her impact is visible not only in organizations she helped grow, but in the countless individuals she encouraged to step fully into their calling.
As one friend put it simply: “Michelle didn’t just believe in good ideas. She believed in people—and that changed everything.”
