Merita Melland

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