Doris Melander

Doris “Dory” Marion Melander, 97, passed away on Sunday evening, December 30, 2018, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  Dory requested a private memorial service and interment.  Those wishing to honor her may donate to the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter.

Doris was born on July 12, 1921 in Sioux Falls, S.D. to W. George and Anna (Bjerkness) Morman.  She moved from Sioux Falls to Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1939.  Upon graduation Dory worked as an operator for the NW Bell Telephone.  In May of 1942 she married Julian “Dude” Melander at Bethel Lutheran Church.  Dory worked in communications at a Naval Air Station in New Jersey while Dude was deployed to the South Pacific.  She returned to Minnesota and worked for Northwest Airlines before returning to Willmar where she worked at Farmer’s Produce (Jennie-O) and Rice Memorial Hospital.  Dory and Dude adopted a son and a daughter.

Doris was very active with friends and family.  She and Dude were members of a square dance group for many years.  The family spent many summers camping with friends at Lake Henderson.  Dory loved to entertain and host card parties.  Dory and Dude enjoyed traveling together until his death in 1991.  Dory continued taking trips and bus tours as long as she was able.  Doris was active in the Good Neighbor Club, Eastern Star, Bible Study Groups, Bridge Clubs, and the Willmar Federated Club.  Dory’s true passion was decorating her home, especially for Christmas.

Doris is survived by her son, Jon and Pam Melander and her daughter Julie and Jeff Taylor.  Also surviving are nieces, Judy Rosenboom, and Barbara Labatt and a nephew, Michael Devries.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian, a sister, Georgiana, a nephew, Wally and her parents.