Jolene F. Melles

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Jolene Melles, who went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 27, 2024, following a sudden and brief illness. She was born on March 12, 1946, in Orange City, Iowa to Edward Cleveringa and Wilmina Van Es. Jolene was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She touched many lives with her kindness, generosity and unforgettable spirit.
Jolene is survived by her loving husband John of 59 years; children Julie (Brett) Burton and Mike (Jennifer) Melles; grandchildren Kevin and Marisa Denovellis, Kyle and Tommy Melles, Logan and Alexa Conway; brothers Gary (Judy) Cleveringa, Robert (Deanne) Cleveringa and Lloyd (Marcia) Cleveringa as well as a great number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Wilmina (Van Es) Cleveringa.
She was a long-time member of Living Hope (Union Congregational) Church where she lent her business acumen to serve many years on the Board of Trustees.
Her first job outside of the family farm was working for Don Vander Weide at the New York Life Insurance Office in Orange City, Iowa. She grew up and married her longtime neighbor John Melles, Jr. on July 9, 1965, and moved to several different states as John worked to complete his PhD before finally settling in Aurora, Illinois. Jolene found work once again as the office manager of J.N. Morcos Insurance Agency, Ltd, where she worked for the next 43 years until she retired in 2018.
Jolene had a passion for helping people and was always happy to step in and lend a hand. She loved cooking and her family above all else, so naturally Thanksgiving was one of her favorite holidays, particularly the pecan pie. The warmth and compassion she showed toward others will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A service to celebrate Jolene will be held at Living Hope Church, 405 W. State St., North Aurora, IL 60542 on Saturday December 7th. Pastor Ken Carr will be officiating. A visitation to be held at the church from 9:30am -11:30am with services following at
11:45am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Living Hope Church in North Aurora or to the National Pancreas Foundation at P.O. Box 750046, Atlanta, GA 30374. General Donation – National Pancreas Foundation
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