"Grandma Merita's unconditional love and warmth blessed me with many wonderful childhood memories. I will always think of her when I reuse wrapping paper (a skill taken from her) or put my hair in rollers. I'm thankful that she has found joy in heaven and is with Christ."
In loving memory of
Merita H. Melland
August 11, 1939 - September 10, 2017
SUN PRAIRIE - Merita H. Melland, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at New Perspective Senior Living in Sun Prairie. She was born August 11, 1939 in Madison, the daughter of Casper and Lydia (Schroeder) Laufenberg. Merita graduated from Edgewood High School in 1958 and entered the work world at Oscar Meyer. Merita was united in marriage to Russell Melland on October 15, 1960 in Madison. She was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and wonderful homemaker. She carried her love of children beyond the home teaching pre-school and Sunday school. She loved beautiful and delicate things like flowers, glassware and antiques, and enjoyed music, church, and time with family. Above all, she had an enduring Catholic faith and saw each day as an opportunity to touch and heal others.
She is survived by her husband, Russell Melland; her children, Russell (Christine) Melland of Stoughton, Scot (Lisa) Melland of New Canaan, CT, and Cynthia Melland of Madison; four grandchildren, Katherine, Timothy, Lydia, and Meredith Melland; siblings, Raymond (Madeline) Laufenberg, Beverly Gilardi, Beatrice (Frederick) Rauls, Margaret Day, Marilyn Zeman, Victoria (James) Draper, Rosemary (Jerome) Pasdo, Patricia (Thomas) Breister, Daniel (Constance) Laufenberg, David Laufenberg and Mary (Gary) Kelsey; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Merita was preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas Michael, her parents, father-in-law, Selmer Melland, and mother-in-law, Dorothy (Grinde) Melland.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Alex Carmel presiding. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Friday, September 15, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A reception will be held at VFW Post 9362, 349 S. Walker Way in Sun Prairie, immediately following the burial service.
The family would like to thank all of Merita's caregivers at New Perspective Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for their tender and loving care.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054
Tributes
"What a nice friendly person, God Bless"
"Beautiful as an Edgewood classmate, beautiful as a grown woman. My condolences to her family. Joyce Aasen"
"I was very sad to see that Mrs. Melland passed away. She was such a beautiful woman- inside and out. I knew her through her beautiful daughter, Cindy. She loved her so very much. Please don't worry about Cindy- as she has many people who love her and care for her. You will see her again. I know you are resting in God's arms."
"Dearest Mrs. Melland, your struggles are over. You and I met and shared a bond through your sweet daughter Cindy. I still see her and talk with her. Rest in Peace now. My Sympathy to your family, Jacki Adams"
"No more lines down the center of the bed. No dust or lint in Heaven. Heaven has you take care of Den for me. Love you Margie "
"David Laufenberg Dear Sister Merita: I LOVE YOU, How I miss you. Now we are not twelve any more on earth, But you will start the count in Heaven. (Cheaper by the dozen).Your heart has always been filled with Love. How is it that I have come to know and love you more as you have battled Alzheimers. Heaven is waiting enjoy your reward, Sing with Mother, Love #11Your brother David."
"Aunt Merita you have the most loving heart and I will miss your hugs and kisses and the sweet sound of your voice calling me "Dawnie". Please say hi to my dad and step dad and give them a hug for me. Please pray for us and give Jesus and Mary a hug and kiss from me. May God grant you eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon you! Now you can hold little "Tommy"! Love and prayers in Christ Jesus! Dawn"
"I knew Merita from New Perspective where my dad also resided. I saw her most every Sunday when I visited, and talked with her many times. She was always so happy, walking around Betty's and smiling at everyone. She always seemed content and I marveled st how peaceful she seemed. She passed away one day after my dad, I was surprised to see this. Condolences to your family. "