Melanie Jo McElderry

Melanie (Martin) McElderry, age 65, passed away on June 8, 2026, at Essentia Health Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Melanie Jo was born October 19, 1960 to Melvin and Joan (Ogreen) Martin in Minneapolis, MN. She was an only child. She grew up in Coon Rapids, MN, where she stayed until moving to Pelican Rapids 2 years ago to be by her daughter Mindy and her husband, Nick, who helped her due to her COPD progressing.

She attended Coon Rapids High School, and getting her GED later on. She had 4 children and was married 3 times. Her 3rd husband died in 2019 making her a widow. She loved her family more than anything. She was a huge MN Vikings fan.

Melanie is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Joan Martin, grandparents, and many uncles, aunts, and 3 great-grandchildren before they were born.

Melanie is survived by her children: Mindy (Nick) Bucholz, Jenifer Rancour and Kristen (Khoun) Thammalangsy, her 3rd child was put up for adoption. Grandchildren: Kristina (Nick) Eng, Ethan Bennett, Makayla Bennett, Carter Bucholz, Alyssa Peterson, Jimmy Wichterman, Hope (Johann) Wichterman, Isabella (Ryan) Wichterman, Alex Keeler, Dylan Keeler, Zach Rancour, Jazmine Rancour, Kinley Thammalangsy, Kyler Thammalangsy, and Kaylee Thammalangsy. Great-grandchildren: Addy Eng, Oliver Eng, Jace Eng, and Elianna Wallace.

A celebration of life will be held on June 19, 2026, 1 pm-6pm at Hilton Garden Inn, 6350 Vinewood Ln., Maple Grove, MN 55311 in the Event Room., where flowers can be sent. An inurnment will be held at Morningside Memorial Garden Cemetery in Coon Rapids, MN at a later date.