Helene R. Melgaard

Helene Rodgers Melgaard, age 97, died quietly on Sunday, June 24, suffering no malady other than age. She was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on February 23, 1915 and then moved with her family to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she attended school. Her nursing career included Bachelors Degree in Nursing, from the University of Minnesota, a teaching position in Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton, Texas, serving in a tuberculosis sanatorium, and as floor superintendent in Children’s Hospital in St Louis until her marriage in 1943. Subsequently she worked for 3 years as a Practical Nurse in Minneapolis and a year at Kansas City General Hospital. She was active in AAUW and her political career included serving as precinct captain for the Republican Party in Jackson County for over 15 years, assistant to the Jackson County Republican Committeewoman, and recruiting a two-term Jackson County Republican Committeeman. She loved spending her summers at Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota and having friends and family visit. She will be remembered as the inseparable companion to her late husband of 67 years Ross Melgaard, as a charming hostess, a wonderful cook and avid bridge player, rug hooker, concert pianist and avid reader. Her family was the most important part of her life.

She is succeeded by her sons William and his wife Claudia,of Hampton, VA, Eric and Donna of Kansas City, and their children, Kevin, Ryan and Allison; her daughter Barbara McGlothlen of Greeley, CO and her children Kristen, Sean; and 3 great grandchildren. Private family service. Donations can be made to:

Ten Mile Lake Association, Inc.

P.O. Box 412

Hackensack, MN 56452

Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com