Melanie Thelen

Melanie Marie Thelen, age 47, a life time Park Rapids, MN area resident, passed from this life to eternal life on Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Sanford Health Medical Center in Fargo, ND, following a very aggressive onset of leukemia. Melanie was born on March 29, 1967 in Park Rapids, MN, as the first born to bless the family of Michael and Shirley Thelen. She attended Park Rapids Public Schools where she loved being with her friends and learning. After graduating high school, Melanie worked at the Hubbard County Day Activity Center making beautiful rugs and building meaningful friendships with all who she worked with. Her joyful personality and beaming smile warmed the hearts of everyone. Melanie loved to dance and everyone knew her as the "Dancing Queen of the DAC". In addition to making rugs, Melanie also worked for many years at the Bishop Department Store where she loved to visit with the customers who quickly became her friends. She also enjoyed working in the kitchen at the Park Rapids Century School for a number of years. Melanie loved the challenge of a good game of cards or the thrill of winning at bingo. She was a music lover and experienced the thrill of a lifetime in going to hear one of her favorite country music singers, Martina McBride in concert with her two sisters several weeks ago. She swam like a fish whenever she got to the lake or pool. She enjoyed good food and especially treasured the times spent with her family and friends. Melanie truly loved people and brightened everyone's lives with her many expressions of love and friendship. Melanie will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Mike and Shirley Thelen of Park Rapids; her two sisters: Michelle (Jim) Harris of Osage and Margie Dahring and her two sons: Matthew and Dawson all of Park Rapids; her brother, Michael (Tasha) Thelen and their two daughters: Shelby and Danielle and son, Michael of Park Rapids; her maternal grandmother, Leona Horkey of Park Rapids as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfathers: Mike Thelen and Wally Horkey and her maternal grandparents: Floyd and Vera Hagen. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Friday, January 23, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Father Joe Hitpas officiating. Interment will be made in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Two Inlets. The casket bearers will be: Grant Schmaus, Grant Nunn, Leonard Thelen, Lenny Thelen Jr., Jason Thelen and Shannon Hagen. The honorary casket bearers will be Staff and friends of the Hubbard County DAC. Visitation will be held 5 to 8 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. A luncheon will be hosted by the church for all. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com