Marilyn Ann Melkerson (LaBrie), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Encore Village in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Born on April 5, 1935, in Turton, South Dakota, to Castle (Steffes) and Victor LaBrie, she graduated from Turton High School before going on to earn a degree in Home Economics from South Dakota State University. She completed an internship in dietetics in Southern California where she met her late husband, Alan Melkerson.
Marilyn spent the bulk of her career as a Registered Dietitian at Highland Park Hospital, where she made lifelong friends.
In retirement, Marilyn and her husband Al traveled extensively through Friendship Force International and formed bonds with people across the globe. Their Catholic faith led them to participate in helping individuals with disabilities visit the Holy Land and helping fund lifesaving surgeries for children living at an orphanage in Mexico.
Small in stature but mighty in spirit, Marilyn was a realistic optimist who took each day as a blessing, even in the face of life’s hardships and finished every encounter with a sincere “God Bless.”
Marilyn is survived by her children Michele Melkerson-Granryd (Ric) of Texas, Jacqui Melkerson of Illinois, Eric Melkerson (Yvette) of Alabama, and Marc Melkerson (Anna) of Georgia; nine grandchildren, Ali Granryd (Nick O’Shoney), Svea Meinhardt (Harrison), John Buga, Stephanie Buga, Anthony Buga, Hayden Melkerson (Taylor), Renee Davidson (Tyler), Luke Melkerson, Riley Burkey (Toby), and Sarah; and four great-grandchildren, Truitt, Payton, Knox, and Ella.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Castle and Victor LaBrie; her siblings, Marvel Troske and John LaBrie; and her daughter, Stephanie Melkerson.