Service Information
Melodye Van Houtte, age 77, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Melodye Van Houtte was born on August 27, 1944, in Flint, Michigan. She was the daughter of Ernest and Shirley (Johnson) Smith. Melodye was baptized and confirmed in her chosen Catholic Faith. She was a graduate of St. Agnes High School in Flint Michigan.
On November 23, 1963, Melodye was united in marriage with the love of her life, Maurice “Moe” John Van Houtte at All Saints Catholic Church in Flint, Michigan. With this the ultimate love story began. This marriage was blessed with one son, Chris and one Daughter, Marilee.
For the next 28 years Melodye had the joy and pleasure of living the life of a United States Air Force military spouse. This adventure would bring Melodye to many destinations across the United States. While the continuous moves were a challenge, Melodye had a Strength and Love that led her family through these challenges. She was a small woman, but she was a rock! At each stop along this journey, Melodye would get involved in the community, church and school as well as creating organizations to help support other military spouses. She has touched hundreds of people throughout the country.
Melodye loved to fish and be outdoors. She loved travelling and post military she set off on the road with Maurice “Moe” for 12 years as full time RVer’s. Again, she saw many states, made amazing memories and touched countless numbers of people with her Love. Melodye was the grandmother of 6 grandchildren which gave her great pride and Joy. She loved playing with and spoiling her grandchildren and developed amazing relationships with each. There is no shortage of “Grandma Mel” stories and memories.
Another one of Melodye’s passions and joys was writing. Her poems have been published in local papers throughout the country. Her Family will enjoy the gifts of her written words for generations to come.
Melodye passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Woodstone Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 77 years.
We are all Blessed by her life, her love and her memory.
Melodye is survived by her:
Husband, Maurice “Moe” John Van Houtte, of Hutchinson, MN;
Son, Chris Van Houtte, of Waconia MN;
Daughter, Marilee Van Houtte and her partner, Adam of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Brittany Hoffman (Van Houtte) and her husband, Alex, Alexis Kalberer (Van Houtte) and her husband, Ross, Keenan Burg, Kaden Burg, Isiah Van Houtte, Jerzey Hermel;
Brothers, Brent Smith,
Mark Smith,
Matt Smith and his wife, Laura;
Many other family members and countless friends.
Melodye is preceded in death by her Parents, Ernie and Shirley Smith; Parents-in-law, Maurice “Mike” O. and Edigna Van Houtte.
Services for Melodye will be held at Camp Ripley Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN on June 10, 2022. Tentative schedule is for an 11:00 A.M. service followed by a celebration of life at the nearby Belle Prairie Park.
For anyone interested in contributing in memory of Melodye… Among her many connections and social passions, the work of St. Jude’s Hospital topped her list. Please direct any family or memorial contributions to St. Jude’s using the link/web-address below. Melodye would be so thankful, proud and happy. Thank You!!!!
St Jude’s Donation Link… http://giftfunds.stjude.org/MelodyeVanHoutte
Sheila Thompson says
Such a sweet lady, mom and Grandma … she will be missed. Sending hugs and prayers to the family.
Sheila, Kyle & James x
Marilee Van Houtte says
100% accurate Shiela! She was an amazing woman. Thank you so much!!
Lori Myhra says
My condolences to all of the family especially Moe! I was so blessed to have met her and spend time with her! She has always meant a lot to me for the person she was. St Judes has meant a lot to me too! I sure will have great memories and laughs from her. Hugs and prayers always!
Marilee Van Houtte says
Love you so very much Lori!! She loved everything about you also!!!
Tony and Sue Buzzard says
We had the privilege of meeting Moe and Mel at the Panama City Air Force Base rv park. We were neighbors. We enjoyed so much having them be a part of our lives. We played golf daily with Moe. Had happy hour with the two of them and just spend time enjoying each other. One year we followed them up north and stayed in a campground they were managing in Minnesota. Again, we had such a wonderful time with both of them.
While our travels have not crossed paths in years since, there was always a wonderful Christmas note from them. We have kept in touch as best we could. To this day, we can still hear Moe’s voice, smell his cigar and see Mel’s incredible smile. We hold the two of them as very special people we met during our nomadic life.
While Mel may not be physically with us anymore, all that she was is still there. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
Tony and Sue Buzzard
Marilee Van Houtte says
Such beautiful heartfelt words Tony and Sue. They absolutely treasure the times they got with you and I am blessed to have met you both also!
Kari Kahlow-Knight says
I was very young child when I was blessed by meeting Melodye and her husband Moe. But through the years I remember many wonderful memories that she had gave me. I know the biggest impact of her was how she had always taken the time to make different arts and crafts for pictures. She loved cooking together. She was the only one through my childhood that had taken the time to cook things with me. Besides her wonderful husband Moe and his BBQ. It was a whole new experience for me because I had gotten to experience what it was like having a mom. The times at the park were she and Moe would chase me around the playground. To this day she was the only real mother figure i new. The wonderful times I had with her gave me the experience to become a great mom. Throughout out the years we would loose contact but when we got in touch again we had many hours of phone time explaining what we been through. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MELODYE AND I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN YOU AGAIN BEFORE YOU LEFT. BUT I WILL FIND YOU IN HEAVEN AND CAN’T WAIT TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN AND HUG YOU. TAKE CARE SWEETIE.
Marilee Van Houtte says
Thanks so much John. It means so much!!
Marilee Van Houtte says
Kari!!!! It’s Marilee! Every post you have written on has made me cry….they are sad tears but they are also happy ones. I know that I have been so very very blessed to have amazing parents and they have/had soooo much love to give that they chose to reach out and share it and in that process they met you and even though we don’t see or talk to each other constantly I want you to know……you are loved! I am blessed to have crossed paths with you.
John Castelli says
Our sincere Condolences our prayers go to you and your family and may God bless you
Marilee Van Houtte says
Thanks so much John. It means so much!!
Mel Barth says
To my dear friend, Chris, my condolences to you and your family. I have enjoyed listening about her and it is comforting you will have such beautiful memories. Mel Barth
Toby and Linda Burk says
We were so glad to have known Melody. She was a great representative of the military wife. Our condolences to the family and especially Moe. Cherish your many memories and hold them in your heart. Hope to see you soon.
Gregg Smith says
My wife Gail and I had the honor and privilege of purchasing Moe and Mel’s beautiful farmstead in ND in 1993. They were two of the most amazing people we have ever met. Melodye made us feel so good about buying her home, and everytime we were around her was a wonderful experience. We still have the binder she made us that covered everything about her cherished home. She was an amazing person, and coupled with Moe made a huge impact on many people’s lives. After they moved away from MN we didn’t see her again, but we’re so happy to know she and Moe traveled and blessed so many others with their friendship and lives.