Marianne T. Melstrom

Marianne Theresia Melstrom, age 89, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at Preferred Senior Living, surrounded by the love of her family.

Marianne was born on June 2, 1935, in Nürnberg, Germany, to Johann and Wilhelmina (Buchener) Dirner. She grew up in the nearby city of Fürth and attended local schools in both Nürnberg and Fürth. From a young age, Marianne displayed a remarkable talent for craftsmanship, which led her to attend a School of Dressmaking from 1949 to 1952—a skill that would become a lifelong passion.

In 1959, Marianne married the love of her life, Dale Melstrom, in her home country of Germany. Shortly after their wedding on August 6, the newlyweds embarked on a new adventure together, moving to the United States to begin their life side by side. Their loving union was blessed with six children: Peter, Steven, Scott, Mark, Teresa, and Mary.

Marianne’s life was a reflection of unwavering faith, boundless love, and gentle grace. A devoted Christian, she found deep joy in her relationship with God and was an active and beloved member of her church community. She especially cherished teaching Sunday school, sharing her faith and kindness with generations of children.
Marianne had a warm and generous spirit, often expressed through her exceptional talents in the kitchen and at the sewing machine. Her homemade baked goods and hearty meals brought comfort and joy to family and friends alike, while her beautifully crafted quilts and blankets became treasured keepsakes. She found peace in reading her Bible daily and fulfillment in caring for her family, whom she adored with all her heart.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Steve (Sally) Melstrom, Scott (Terri Howe) Melstrom, Mark (Carol) Melstrom, Teresa (Mark) Strom, and Mary Melstrom. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren: Peter Girdeen, Ross Girdeen, Gary Melstrom, Jamie (Toby Rivord) Freese, Jared (Katy) Melstrom, Jenna (Dennis) O’Malley, Chad (Emily) Melstrom, Chase (Heather) Melstrom, Carlie (Jeffrey) DuBose, Riley (Kendra) Melstrom, Logan Melstrom, Paige (Jon Walter) Strom, Mason Strom, Chelsy (Trent) Schug, Sawyer Strom, Makara (Peter Elwood) Strom, Kaden Strom, Delanie Strom, Tenley Strom, Conner Ekholm, Coby Ekholm, Cale Ekholm, and Cramer Ekholm; her sister, Irene Kolb; and many great-grandchildren.

Marianne is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Dale; her dear son, Peter Melstrom; her parents, Johann and Wilhelmina; and her siblings, Hildegard Gottsman and Ernst Dirner.

A funeral service celebrating Marianne’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at English Lutheran Church, 229 W. Main St., Ellsworth, WI. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 15, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at English Lutheran Church, and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. She will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery.

The O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth is honored to serve the Melstrom family. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.