Geraldine Melby

Geraldine Melby, 100, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Geraldine Elizabeth Elliott was born at home on West Lakeside Drive, Fergus Falls, on December 18, 1923 to Clarence G. and Grace M. (Cook) Elliott.

During her school years Geraldine "Gerry" enjoyed participating in various activities, was a Camp Fire Girl through her senior year and also worked after school at W.W. Woolworth's, at the Elliott Transportation Depot and as cashier at the Lyric Theater. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1942.

She married Jerry Melby in 1943 at the Federated Church. They were married for sixty years. They had five children and as a family attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church and participated in its youth and family activities.

Gerry was active in her community as well. She was a member of the Otter Tail County Historical Society, the OTC Genealogical Society, Sons of Norway and the Elks Auxiliary. She especially enjoyed being with people and maintained warm friendships throughout the years with her sewing and quilting groups and her Homemakers group, The Jugs (Just Us Girls). The Jugs were together for fifty years.

She is survived by her sons David of Sacramento, CA, Timothy (Carol) of Fergus Falls, Paul (Susan) of Brookings, SD, and daughter Mary Jo (Paul) Christenson of Fergus Falls; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and five step-great-great-grandsons.

Preceding her in death were her husband Jerry, her son Michael, daughters-in-law Harriet and Deanna Melby, three grandsons Richard and Elliott Melby and Chuck Christenson, and step-great-grandson Andrew McMahon. Also preceding her in death were her parents, her siblings and their spouses Wallace, Earl (Dolly), Evelyn (Bob), Donald (Virgie), and Dorothy (Lee), an infant sister Marjorie, and her brothers and sisters-in-law Orville (Marian) and DuWayne Melby and Audrey (Ansem) Ackerson.

Service: 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns

Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com