Loretta Joanne Melby

Loretta Joanne (Schroeder) Melby, 91, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023, at St. Catherine’s South, Fargo, ND.

Loretta was born on November 17, 1931, to William and Josephine (Amunsgaard) Schroeder in Fargo, ND. She grew up in Fargo where she attended and graduated from Fargo Central High School. During that time, she met Alan Melby, and they were united in marriage on November 20, 1949, in Fargo. They moved North of Hawley, MN, where they farmed and raised their family. They farmed until their retirement and afterwards, moved into Hawley.

Loretta was a very active member at Lysne Lutheran Church, whether it was by teaching Sunday School or participating in her serving group, she was always involved. She enjoyed crafts and made many banners for Lysne. She was a great cook, and her potluck dishes would usually come back empty. One of her most notable recipes was her chocolate cake which was enjoyed by so many. Loretta was genuine, classy, driven, and a woman of great character. She was always on the move, liked to get things done right away, and always showed up early.

Loretta is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Alan Melby; children, Marcia (Jack) Titus, Teresa Kuvaas, and Mark (Janet) Melby; grandchildren, Jessica (Shannon) Henry, Jack (Heather) Titus III, Duke (Amanda) Kuvaas, Claire (Jeremy) Schembri, Daniel Kuvaas, Douglas Kuvaas, Darin (Deirdre) Kuvaas, Aaron Melby, and Alison Melby; 12 great grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Josephine; and siblings, Madeline, Pearl, William, Mary, Jim, and Andrew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Salem Cemetery Fund, 3044 41st Avenue South, Moorhead, MN, 56560.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.