Our Founders

Meet Pat and Judy.

In October of 1988, 13 year-old Michelle ‘Mickey’ Misener passed away following an unexpected cardiac incident on her first day of Jr. High School. After her death, parents Pat and Judy Misener quickly realized that few resources were available for parents like themselves grieving the death of a child. In an effort to provide others with much needed support, the Miseners informally created Smile Again Grief Ministries in 1999 before officially recognizing Smile Again as a nonprofit organization in 2007.

Both Pat and Judy have remained open about their personal pain and struggle regarding their daughter’s death. Pastoring in an evangelical denomination for over thirty years, Pat turned to his faith to help the healing process while writing a book titled I Wish I Could have Told You which details his experiences while in the hospital with Mickey.

Judy Misener has since spoken publicly in cities throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In tandem with Pat, they created the book and in-home bible study “Come, Let Us Grieve Together”, which prepares churches and small groups for supporting parents and siblings throughout the various stages of grief.

The Smile Again Lodge opened in 2009. Because of their dedication, Smile Again Grief Ministries continues to assist others with the grief and pain that accompanies the loss of a child.