Michelle D. Christofferson

Michelle “Shell” Dawn Christofferson (Poni Cappo), 57 of Warwick, ND passed away at her home on June 15, 2024.

Shell, daughter of Milo and Donna Christofferson was born in Devils Lake ND on April 16, 1967. Shell grew up on the family farm near Warwick. She attended school at Warwick, graduating with the class of “85”. She was a member of the Warwick Lutheran Church, and was baptized, confirmed, and married there. In school she excelled in basketball and softball and along with teammates was instrumental in getting the baseball field fixed up. 

Shell attended Lake Region Junior College, taking up Hotel/Motel Management. She lived and worked in Fargo, ND for a time and later was head chef at Mr. Steak in Grand Forks. 

Shell returned to Warwick and was so proud to purchase her own home and start her life with her beautiful children who she cherished. She began employment at the school as head cook and custodian for over 20 years. She also had a food concession stand she owned and operated with her husband for many years and catering business for over 30 years with help from her family members and children. At one time she was one of the amazing chefs at “The Ranch Steakhouse.” She was well known for the Saturday Steak Night she put on at L&Js Bar in Tolna, ND. 

Shell married Dennis Poni Cappo Jr. on July 16, 2000. He passed away on June 14, 2019. 

Shell attended many, many cooking classes through the years. Cooking was her cup of tea and her passion. Although Michelle was always a busy body with work, she always tried to find time to enjoy herself with her family and friends. She loved fishing, camping, hosting cookouts in her backyard, and in her most recent years, spending time cherishing her grandchildren. 

Michelle followed in the footsteps of her father in which she grew to be a Vikings Football Fan. She also had a love for the “Fighting Sioux” teams. She often reminisced about her attendance at Def Leppard concerts. Michelle was known to wear “her heart on her sleeve” and would always be willing to help her friends and family. 

Anyone who knew Shell knew of the courageous battle she fought against her illness “Crest Syndrome”. She has left us much too soon, but to know that the pain and suffering is over, she joins in heaven her family who has gone before her, gives us some comfort and peace as we make our way through this very sad time. 

Michelle is survived by her loving family. Her mother Donna (Gordon Harding) Christofferson; children Christopher Christofferson, Allyssa (Nathan) Flom, Crystal (Jacob) Christofferson; grandchildren Kiah, Jordan, Kion Christofferson, Gracie and Weston Flom, Cailyn and Cain Lightning; sister Monica (Ken) Christofferson and children Grant (Miranda), Cassandra (Luke), Lucas (Kirsten), Haylee (Jordan) and Hazen ; in laws Jarrett (Jamie) Smith, Lorinda (Brett) Leben, Cali Demarce, Memory Poni Cappo, Crystal Poni Cappo, Chris Poni-Cappo, Cecelia Poni Cappo; aunts and uncle, (and Michelle’s godparents) Raymond and Barbara Walker and Bonnie Holtz, and aunts Sandy Barber, Verlene (Duane) Alm; very dear nieces, nephews and cousins who were special to her.

She was preceded in death by her father Milo, husband Dennis, daughter-in-law Amber Langstaff, grandparents Orlo and Vivian Christofferson and Christina Walker, godfather Harold Holtz, aunt Jackie Evans, uncle Bill Kelley, nephew Kip Christofferson, father-in-law Dennis Poni Cappo Sr., mother-in-law Jeanette Herald, in-laws Gabriel Smith Jr., Janel Herald, Denise Poni Cappo. 

Funeral Services for Michelle will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick ND with Pastor Jeff Kapelle officiating. Burial will be in the Warwick Cemetery. Friends may call at the Warwick Church one hour prior to the funeral service. 

Honorary Bearers will be Julie and Leland Blessum, Carol Mead and family, Tiffany Sherland, Darcie and Cory Delorme, Connie Gladue, Viola Waanatan and the Warwick Public School System. 

A special thank you to Kirstie Syverson, NP for her kindness and loving care of our Michelle over the years.