Michael F. Melander

Michael F. Melander

Michael Melander Obituary

Published by Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels from Jun. 20 to Jun. 22, 2003.
Melander Michael F. "Mike" Melander, age 30, of St. Louis Park, died unexpectedly in his sleep of natural causes on June 18, 2003. He is survived by his parents, Jane & Pastor Daniel Johns of Tower, MN, Pastor Steven & Debra Melander of East Bethel, MN; brother, Steve (Lori) of Wayzata; step-sisters, Mara (Adam) Egherman, Sarah (Jesse) Stremcha, Abigail & Meredith Kline; step-brothers, Matt Johns & Jacob Spitzmueller; grandparents, June & Gene Lammers of Stillwater, Lucile Johns of Rochester, Floyd & Myrtle Melander of Lindstrom, Chuck & Joyce Groth of Minnetonka, Barbara Groth of Champlin; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mike was Godfather to niece, Ellie Jane Melander. He was a 1991 graduate of Orono High School and a 1995 graduate of the University of St. Thomas. He was a partner with Varsity Painters, Inc. Mike was a true renaissance man, with a zest for living life to the fullest. In addition to family and friends, his joys and passions were skiing, world travels and boating on Lake Minnetonka. He was an artist and poet. Mike will be missed so much by so many. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to establish the Mike Melander Memorial Fund. Funeral services will be 6:00 PM Monday at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 50th St. & Knox Ave S., Mpls., with visitation 1hour prior to service at the church and also 4- 7 PM TODAY at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel W. 50th St. & Hwy. 100 952-920-3996
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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July 16, 2003

Kelly Williams posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2003

John and Lynne Chomicz posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2003

Mike and Barb Lynskey posted to the memorial.

Kelly Williams

July 16, 2003

Mike MEEE-lander - I liked to call him and just like so many have said before...there would shine that awesome smile of his. Just being around him - you were guaranteed a laugh and a bundle of happiness! He is making a lot of angels HAPPY up there in heaven! He will be missed here on earth. My prayers go out to all his family and friends.

John and Lynne Chomicz

June 28, 2003

We both enjoyed being around Mike, because of his great love for life and friends, and of course, that infectious smile. His "carpe diem" attitude positively influenced those with whom he happened to come into contact. He will definitely be missed.

Mike and Barb Lynskey

June 27, 2003

Dear Pastor Johns and Jane,

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time in your lives. We were so sorry to hear of your son's passing and can only imagine what you are going through. May the love of family and friends help you to cope with your loss, and the memories that you made together bring a smile to your face. You have our most sincere sympathy, Dan and Jane. Our thoughts and prayers are with you....we think of you often. Fondly, Mike and Barb Lynskey

Chris & Bob Clark

June 27, 2003

Pastor Johns and Jane,
I was so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your son. I think of you often and I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Take care.
Love,
Bob & Chris Clark (Lynskey)

Tammy Christopherson

June 25, 2003

To Pastor Steve, Debbie, Abby, and Meredith-



Losing someone we love is like losing a part of our soul. Learning to live without them is perhaps the most difficult task the human heart can encounter. I wish you patience, presence of mind, and courage during this most difficult time.



You're all in my thoughts and prayers! God bless, Tammy Laree.

Patrick Lynch

June 25, 2003

I will remember the fun times that were had with Mike and friends while I lived in Minnesota.

Jim & Deb Junker

June 25, 2003

We are so saddened to learn of the passing of your dear, sweet son. I can only believe that he has filled your hearts with joy and pride for the years he was with you. The Dear Lord must need his assistance. Our hearts and sympathy are with you.

Eric, Tina & Hunter Johnson

June 25, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Melander Family and friends. We will always remember Mike's vibrant personality and beaming smile. We feel blessed to have known him.

Andrea Butterfield

June 24, 2003

I'm sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I haven't seen him in a few years. Always smiling, he was a positive individual with many dreams. My sympathy goes out to his friends, family and those individual's lives he touched. May those wonderful memories stay in your heart forever to keep Mike's spirit alive.

Courtney Koepsell

June 24, 2003

Mike had such a beautiful, unique soul and his person will truly be missed. Memories of him will forever make me smile. My condolences to all that he left behind.

Dave Nadeau

June 24, 2003

Everyone loved Mike. Whether you saw him everyday or every other year, he always had a smile and made you feel as if you were his best friend. He was one of the most sincere, giving people I have ever known. I will remember you always.

Eivind & Rachael Nash

June 24, 2003

Lori, Steve, and Family,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

LeRoy Brand

June 23, 2003

Dear Jane and Steve,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We haven't seen Mike since the days when Missy babysat your boys, but judging by the other guest book entries, it sounds like he was a son who would make any parent proud. Please know that we are thinking about both of you and hoping that God will ease your pain.

Your friends,

Missy and LeRoy Brand

Tiann Parker

June 23, 2003

I was deeply saddened to hear of Melanders passing. Although, I have not had contact with hime for some time, I have always had an enormous crush and spot for him in my heart. He was always the sweetest, most gentle person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Tiann

Brooke Filkins

June 23, 2003

Mike added so much happiness to the world with his unique ability to make each and every one of us feel special. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

David and Janice Eckman

June 23, 2003

Dear friends, We are saddened at the news of your loss. We send our prayers and love hoping God's comfort and strength will be with you through this tragedy.

Love, David and Janice Eckman

Cary Duggan

June 23, 2003

To Mike's Family & Friends:

Mike's smiling face and positive energy will always be remembered. He truly was a happy soul and will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to you in this time of grief.

Dave Bowden & Friends

June 23, 2003

Our sincerest condolences go out to Michael's family & friends. Known by his closest friends as "Melander" he was aka: Steve's "Little Brother" to some of us older Orono grads. His ability to make friends unconditionally whenever, wherever and with whomever was just one of many things that made him such a extraordinary person. For some like myself, special people like Mike only touch our lives for a few moments, but we know he provided a lifetime of love for his family & friends to always be remembered by and we're grateful to have known him...

Mike Bergan

June 23, 2003

My condolences to the Melander family - you're in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.

Laurie (Flint) Bremer

June 23, 2003

To Mike's family-I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. He was a sincere caring individual with a warm smile and a heart of gold. As things happen, I hadn't seen him in quite some time but always thought of him with happy memories. My thoughts are with your family during this sad time....

Michael Carr

June 23, 2003

I keep thinking about Mike and although my time with him was brief, as I journey through life I will always appreciate his joyful ever-welcoming presence. Mike, his family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Always,

Carla Locken

June 23, 2003

My heart breaks for all of Mike's family and friends. Mike had a special heart and soul that enriched the lives of all who knew him. The world is a better place because of his extraordinary touch. He will be greatly missed.

Patty Doyle

June 23, 2003

My prayers go out to Mike's friends & family. Mike was a friend from St. Thomas & various connections in Minneapolis (He knew everyone!!) I will miss seeing Mike smiling & running around Lake Calhoun & celebrating Minnesota Summers on Lake Minnetonka/Big Island. A pastor's kid, "PK", who never skipped a beat, has touched many lives & I feel blessed to have known Mike.

Erik Bowman

June 22, 2003

Mike - thanks for all the great times growing up: hunting in the ravine behind your house, your old Arctic Cat on the airstrip, canoeing on the Namekagon, D&D. You were rarely without a smile. God bless you and your family.

tracie collins

June 22, 2003

To the entire Melander family: We are truely sorry for your loss. May God bless you and give you strength during this very difficult time. Tracie, Sean, Sydnie and Bailey

Cheryl Mattila

June 20, 2003

Mike was one of thee most incredible gifts that God could have given to all of us. We all have blessed to have known someone with such integrity and warmth that Mike had. Growing up with someone like him adds to all the wonderful memories of my youth. He will be greatly missed, but always adored.

Vivian Diaz

June 20, 2003

My most sincere condolences to Mike's family and friends. Mike was such a thoughtful, caring and loving human being. He was so full of life and it was always a delight being around him. He will truly be missed and may he rest in peace. God bless him.

Tom Nielsen

June 20, 2003

Dear Melander Family,



I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of your son and brother, Michael on Wednesday. May God's gracious presence be with you in this time of sorrow and loss. Be assured you are all in our prayers and will be included in the congregation's prayers this Sunday.

Michael Lund

June 20, 2003

My most heartfelt condolences to all of Mike's family & friends. I take comfort in knowing he enjoyed, to the fullest, the time he was given...Peace & comfort to all who know & will miss him...

Jeff Schmidt

June 20, 2003

This was truly one of the nicest, most caring people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I can not express how much I am going to miss Melander! To his family, my sincerest condolanances and know that he was brought to heaven for a reason, God does not take someone off this Earth as special as Mike unless he had an important job that only required the best to handle it.

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Not sure what to say?

July 16, 2003

Kelly Williams posted to the memorial.

June 28, 2003

John and Lynne Chomicz posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2003

Mike and Barb Lynskey posted to the memorial.