Jean Melroe

  Margaret Jean “Jean” Melroe - 89 - passed away on March 17, 2016 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND. Born on June 11, 1926 to James and Margaret Taylor in Milnor, ND, Jean was the eldest of their three children and a straight “A” student who loved to run races and play basketball. She once broke her arm roller skating, but never let fear hold her back. During WWII, Jean traveled with a friend to Seattle, WA to contribute to the war effort by working at Boeing Aircraft. On August 13, 1946 she married Clifford Melroe and they went on to establish their household in his hometown of Gwinner, ND before later separating.  A mother, grandmother, Cub Scout leader, caregiver, friend, and homemaker; Jean played many roles throughout her days but there’s only one place she wanted to be – her cabin on Ottertail Lake, MN where she was often surrounded by the people she loved. She was also happy to just sit and watch the water or read a book, and was restless whenever she was away. This remained true up until her final days. Jean is survived by her three sons: Bruce Melroe of Phoenix, AZ, David (Jane) Melroe of Edina, MN, and Keith (Olivia) Melroe of Moorhead, MN. She also has a daughter, Pamela Olson of Grand Forks, ND, who lovingly cared for her in her final years. Additionally, Jean has twelve grandchildren: Sean Melroe, Nicole (Rob) Rudder, Heather (Chris) Hansen, Lindsay (Jason) Gilmore, Stacey (Mark) Lehman, Greg (Yvonne) Melroe, Mark Melroe, Marie (James) Leighton, Ed Melroe, Courtney (Jeffrey) Kniert, and Chrissy (Truman) Reed. Her grandchildren then went on to bless her with 19 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded into death by her mother and father, sister, Eunice Holmstrom, brother, James Taylor, and grandson, Ryan Melroe. The funeral for Jean will be held at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 10:30a.m.