Melva Dawn "Mel" Parson

Melva Dawn "Mel" (Jurgensen) Parson, age 90, of Shawano, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on Tuesday January 20, 2026. Mel was born on December 7, 1935, in Watertown, South Dakota, daughter of Leonard and Fern (Minton) Jurgensen. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Parson on August 18, 1953. He preceded her in death on October 3, 2010. They shared many memories and travels.

Mel is survived by her daughters, Debra (Rick) Klatt and Julie (Bryan) Gagnon; son, Scott (Debbie) Parson; grandchildren, Dawn (Michael) Olson, Mandi Beattie, Lindsay (Josh) Van Gheem, Dalton (Sydney) Parson, Shayna (Steven Lake) Parson and Karli (Cody) Parson; 12 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mel is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents; daughter, Vicki Parson; two granddaughters, Jenni Wolske and Brynn Gagnon; brothers, Leonard Jurgensen, Jr., Harold Jurgensen and Harlan "Hoddy" Jurgensen.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring with family and friends.