Beverly Jean Melstrom

Beverly Jean Melstrom, 80, of Durand, WI died Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, WI. She was born July 26, 1938 in Pierce County, WI; daughter of Walter and Ruth (Olson) Nelson. When Beverly was 6 years old her mother died leaving 9 children. Beverly went to live with relatives, Mark and Irene Hilden. She graduated from Ellsworth High School and then attended UW- River Falls.
On December 26, 1958 she married Donald Melstrom at the English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. They stayed in Ellsworth while Donald finished college and then in 1962 moved to Balsam Lake where Beverly did secretarial work. In 1968 they moved to Durand, where they remained the rest of their lives. Along with raising her family, she did secretarial work, worked as a nurse’s aid and other various jobs.
She enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, gardening, and music was a huge part of her life. Early in her life, Beverly sang on the “Tidings from Bethel” radio show. Later, she sang with the Traveling Shoes Choir. She was a member of Durand United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and played piano.
She is survived by her husband, Donald of Durand; children, Jeffrey Melstrom, Lori Melstrom, Karen (Bill) Gruber, Jim (Ruth) Melstrom, all of Durand , Paul (Anna Bowen) Melstrom of Decatur, Georgia; fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sisters, Delores Alcorn, Alvina (Roger) Girdeen, Carole (Gary) Kruger, and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ruth Nelson, Mark and Irene Hilden; siblings, Madelyn Glem, Clifford Nelson, Geneva Siepelmyer, Dorene Bradford, Virginia Anderson, and Davney Pasch.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 8, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Durand with Pastor Grace Baldridge officiating. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Durand. Friends called one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com