Iralene Melkert

REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF...Iralene Mildred Clapshaw was born April 11, 1916, in Miltona, Minnesota, the daughter of Guy and Inez (Jerome) Clapshaw. At the age of six, she and her family moved to the Dent, MN, area. There she attended rural schools and graduated from the eighth grade. Iralene was baptized in Star Lake, near Dent, and confirmed at St. John?s Lutheran Church of rural Dent. Iralene had a talent for playing the piano. She played in a family band called the Clapshaw's Band. They played for dances at places like Spruce Lodge and other area dance halls. On November 30, 1943 Iralene was united in marriage to Harold Melkert. Harold and Iralene lived in California, Minnesota, and Montana. While living in California, Iralene worked in the post office. Harold and Iralene's daughter, Linda, was born while they lived in California. After living in California for nineteen years, they moved back to Minnesota, near Erhard. On November 21, 2002 Iralene entered the Good Samaritan Center. Harold died August 16, 2003.Iralene was active in Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard and also at other area churches. She liked to do craft projects, paint, garden, and play the piano. Iralene was liked by everyone that knew her. She will be missed by her loved ones.Iralene, age 90, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Monday, November 20, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Pelican Rapids.Iralene is survived by her daughter: Linda (Gary) Abbott of Roy, Montana; granddaughter: April (Chad) Rindal of Roy, Montana; grandson: Aaron Abbott of Crookston, MN; brother-in-law: Albert (Wylene) Melkert of Erhard, MN; 4 sisters-in-law: Helen Donovan of Fergus Falls, MN, Myrtle Johnson of Oakley, California, Lois (Bill) Sheide of Orem, Utah, and Irene Melkert of Rothsay, MN; and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; and 2 brothers: Harlan and Lee Clapshaw.Blessed Be The Memory Of Iralene Melkert