Jerome Melby

Jerome "Joe" Melby, 82, of Baxter died at his home on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Services for Joe will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Lord of Life Church in Baxter with Pastor Erika Nilsen officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 5:00-7:00 PM with Masonic services at 4:30 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and one hour prior to services at the church.

Joe was born on January 19, 1930 in Fergus Falls, MN to Odin and Ella (Moen) Melby. He moved to Brainerd with his parents at an early age. Joe graduated from Brainerd High School and was united in marriage on September 22, 1950 in Brainerd to Elsie Hillman. Joe worked for the Brainerd Dispatch as a printer before retiring in 1993. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge, Aurora 100, and Shriners. Joe and Elsie were 2008 Crow Wing County Citizens of the Year. Joe enjoyed traveling, volunteering at Bethany Good Samaritan every Tuesday, baseball, basketball, and bowling. He also loved woodworking, fishing hunting and was a fan of the Twins, Vikings, and Minnesota Gophers. Joe was an active and charter member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN.

Joe is survived by his wife Elsie; children, Debbie (Wally) Larson of Bovey, MN, Kim (Mike) Tollefson of Sauk Rapids, MN, and Kari (Dale) Koester of St. Cloud, MN; sister, Janice Hulderson of Fond du Lac, WI; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odin and Ella; brother, Lloyd and twin brother, Jim. Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.