Janice F. Melberg

Obituary

Janice Faye Melberg was born on July 20, 1950, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to Virgil and Delpha (Hillmann) Mellies. Her faith-filled life began with baptism at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake, followed by confirmation there as a young teenager.

Growing up in a farming family, Jan learned early about crops, machinery, and the values of hard work and resourcefulness. She was a proud graduate of Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1968.

On February 1, 1969, Jan married the love of her life, Sheldon Melberg, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake. They shared not only a deep love for each other but also for farming. Jan and Sheldon began farming together in 1969 with Sheldon’s father, living on the farm until 2007, when they moved to their home on Lake Allie. Sheldon fondly referred to Jan as the “cornerstone of the farm,”. Jan was a true partner in every aspect of their operation. She inspired everyone to be the best they can be.

During their farming years, Jan and Sheldon welcomed three children into their family, Michelle, Michael, and Matthew. Nine grandchildren followed, each bringing her immeasurable joy. Her happiest moments were those spent surrounded by family, making memories together.

Travel was a favorite pastime, whether with the whole family or just the two of them. They explored the United States from coast to coast, with special fondness for Hawaii and Washington, D.C., and enjoyed unforgettable trips to South Africa, Cuba, and Brazil. Their most magical destination of all was Disney World.

Jan’s creativity found expression in quilting, and she delighted in gifting her handmade treasures. She made a wedding ring quilt for Michelle when she got married and after that eight more wedding ring quilts were made lovingly with Carol in Carol’s basement. Jan and Carol teamed up and sewed the quilts on Grandma Marion’s sewing machine. Together, they made quilts for Michael, Matthew, Jared, Jason, Jeff, Andrea, Brett, and David when they got married. Mikayla, Mariah, Sutton, Saxton, and Sawyer each received a keepsake T-shirt quilt for their high school graduation.

Summers were especially dear to Jan. She and Sheldon loved taking the pontoon out on the lake, and often ended the day at Oakdale for supper, visiting with friends. She took pride in mowing her lawn and tending her flower gardens, finding joy in the beauty she created.

For several years, Wednesdays meant day trips with friends to the Guthrie Theater, complete with lunch, shopping, and a matinee. Jan also loved to entertain, serving her special treats on her good dishes. Her life was rich with friendship, whether through her Bridge group, coffee group, or her Hannah Circle Bible Study at First Ev. Lutheran Church. Many of these group friendships spanned more than 40 years.

Jan was a devoted member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector, giving generously of her time and talents. She co-chaired the 1st Annual Family Fun Night Committee, which continues to this day, 40 years later. Jan also worked on many committees at church, such as, WELCA, Pie in the Park, Funeral Committee, Christmas Traditions Bake Sale, and Altar Guild. She served as the WELCA Treasurer for 20 years.

Her service extended beyond the church. Working with the American Red Cross, Jan played a key role for many years in organizing the Bloodmobile events with Paulette in Hector, hosted at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In the early morning hours of Thursday, August 7, 2025, Jan was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus. She had reached the age of 75 years. Blessed be her memory.

Jan is survived by her:
Husband, Sheldon Melberg of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota;
Children: Michelle (Chad) Paulson of Buffalo Lake,
Michael (Sherry) Melberg of Buffalo Lake, and
Matthew (Shylah) Melberg of Hector, Minnesota;
Grandchildren: Mikayla (Jacob) Richardson of Cloquet, Minnesota, Mariah (Lukas) Messner of Gaylord, Minnesota, Sutton Melberg of Hector, Saxton Melberg of Buffalo Lake, Sawyer Melberg of Hector, Wilson Melberg of Buffalo Lake, Nathan Genung of Olivia, Ethan Nere of Buffalo Lake, and Aiden Nere of Buffalo Lake;
Siblings: Shirley (John) Ludowese of Hutchinson, Minnesota,
Leslie (Carol) Mellies of Stewart, Minnesota,
Vernon (Rose) Mellies of Stewart,
Dennis (Jodi) Mellies of Buffalo Lake;
Sisters-in-law, Carol Walter of Buffalo Lake and Sally Mellies of Minnetrista, Minnesota;
Brother-in-law, David Melberg and his wife, Chris of Minneapolis, Minnesota;
many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jan was preceded in death by her Father, Virgil Mellies in 2004; Mother, Delpha Mellies in 2017; Father-in-law, Robert Melberg in 1970; Mother-in-law, Marion Melberg in 1966; Siblings: Marlene in 1944, Henry in 1945, Marilyn in 1950, Charles in 2015, and Ron in 2023; Sister-in-law, Marlys Melberg in 2000, and Brother-in-law, Loren Walter in 2019.