Melva Jean Baumgartner, 84, of Amor died Saturday July 12, 2014 at the Pioneer Home in Fergus Falls.
Melva Jean was born November 3, 1929 in Fergus Falls, MN to Edwin and Lillian (Johnson) Martinson. Melva grew up in Amor, MN and attended school in Battle Lake, Minnesota. After graduation Melva spent time with her parents and helped run the Amor Garage.
August 25, 1950 Melva Jean and Merton Baumgartner were married in Amor, Minnesota. They lived in Wadena for 10 years before returning to Amor to operate the Amor Garage after her father's passing.
Mert and Melva Jean were blessed with three children, Kerry (Jane), Cindy (Mike Holstrom) and Kim (Joye). Melva Jean was a proud grandmother to Tyral Holstrom (Amanda), Stacy Holstrom, Kelli Baumgartner, Kyle Baumgartner, Anna Baumgartner, Max Baumgartner and Ella Baumgartner. Great-grandchildren, Stella and Claire Holstrom.
Melva Jean's greatest delight was to have her family with her, enjoying her cooking and baking and spending time together. Melva was an avid Minnesota sports fan, rarely missing a Twins, Vikings, Wild, Gophers, or Lynx game, enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, feeding the birds, knitting and crocheting, visiting with friends on the telephone, and playing games on her iPad.
The care Melva Jean gave to her family, Mert, and her mother will always be cherished.
She was proud of her 100% Swedish heritage. Her independence, strong will, and fiery spunk will always be remembered.
Melva Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Merton, and her parents, Edwin and Lillian Martinson. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister-in-laws Donna Zeigler and Elaine (Norman) Haedtke and numerous friends.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at the Zion Lutheran Church of Amor, rural Battle Lake
Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Clergy: Rev. Jim Gronbeck and Intern pastor Karen Telyea
Interment: Amor Cemetery
Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Battle Lake
Melva's Memorial Folder