Jean Melenich

Jean O. (Bedard) Melenich, who passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019, was born to William and Johanna Bedard on January 10, 1929 in Ironton, MN. She graduated in 1947 from Crosby-Ironton High School and attended Crosby-Ironton Junior College.

During her school years she was active in choir, glee club, ensemble, and Thespian club. She worked selling tickets at the Ironton Theater and during the summers and on Holidays she worked at Smith’s Variety Store.  She taught Sunday school and Bible School at the Lutheran Church in Ironton; this is what lead to her wanting to be a teacher.

Her next years were at St. Cloud State University and on to her first teaching position at Grand Rapids School District, teaching Grade 6 for two years. She then went on to Sauk Rapids School District to teach 4th Grade along with being a Campfire Bluebird leader. She also enjoyed bowling on a team.

During this time, she married Robert W. Melenich, (whom she had liked since the 4th Grade), at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby, MN, on November 28, 1953.  After his graduation the newlyweds went on to Norwood Young America to teach for 6 years. Their next employment was with the Minnetonka School District. During these years a daughter, Nancy, and a son, Mike, were born.

She was Brownie and Girl Scout leader for daughter Nancy; and a Cub Scout and Webelo leader for son Mike. She, again, taught Sunday School and Bible School at All Saints Lutheran Church, where she was also on the new member committee. After children were well into school, she became a substitute teacher for Minnetonka School District.

Upon retirement in 1987, Jean and Bob built a home on Hay Lake, near Ironton, MN. Here, Jean substitute taught for the Crosby-Ironton School District for 5 years. She was also President of the Ironton American Legion Auxiliary Post #443. After 16 years in their home on Hay Lake, with failing health, Jean and Bob moved to Brainerd/Baxter, MN and lived there for the next 10 years until the passing of Bob, at which point she went to live with her daughter, Nancy, and then back to Baxter, MN to live at Excelsior Place.

Surviving Jean are daughter, Nancy (Dennis) David, grandchildren Brandon and Britni of Coon Rapids, MN. Son, Mike (Michelle) Melenich of Motley, MN, grandchildren Justin of Fargo, ND, Johnathon of Duluth, MN, and Mariah of Fargo, ND. Great Grandchildren Bo and Ty of Fargo, ND. Sister, Joan (Wayne) Gutzman, Crosby, MN. Many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by husband of almost 60 years, Robert, parents, William and Johanna Bedard, brother, Fred Bedard, Sister, Blanch Lund, brother, Earl Bedard.

There will be no viewing or funeral services, these were her wishes. Memorials may be made to the Heart or Cancer fund.