Melinda Mae (Nelson) Mikolichek

Melinda Mae (Nelson) Mikolichek, age 71, of Silver Lake passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Harmony River in Hutchinson. She was born and baptized in Hutchinson, Minnesota on August 29, 1954 to LeRoy and Betty (Hackbarth) Nelson. Melinda attended school in Hutchinson. She was confirmed on April 7, 1968 at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. On December 26, 1969, Melinda married Clarence Mikolichek in Watertown, South Dakota while he was home on leave from the Army. After Clarence’s discharge in 1972, they bought Jugg’s Inn and ran it together a few years before it was fully remodeled into their home. Melinda also worked at Burns Manor and Janousek’s Café in Hutchinson and Rolling Pin Bakery, Rosies Café, The Gallery, Molly’s Café and Silver Lake Motel in Silver Lake. In 1979, Clarence and Melinda started CTM Construction where she helped with the family business for the next 35 years until they retired. Melinda liked cooking, baking, scrapbooking, word search books and collecting Campbell’s soup and Wizard of Oz memorabilia. She enjoyed swimming, boating, dancing and listening to music (especially Elvis). Melinda loved to spend time with her husband and children, playing cards, scrabble, E-tabs, going to bingo, meat raffles and the casino. She also enjoyed spending time with all of her grandchildren. She was a Civic Association member for many years and a twenty-six-year American Legion Auxiliary member, being very proud of her unit scrapbooking awards. Melinda is survived by her husband: Clarence; son: Heath (Tammy) and their children Kaleigh Mikolichek, Connor Mikolichek, Kirby (Brittany) Kubal and their children Hunter and Colton, Brittany (Matt) Turner and their children Adalyn and Garrett; a daughter: Heather Mikolichek and her son Delaney Ostlie- Mikolichek; many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents LeRoy and Betty Nelson, infant twin sister Lucinda and infant brother LeRoy Jr. She will be deeply missed by her husband, family and friends. Rest in Peace! The family of would like to thank the staff at Harmony River, Allina Hospice, Peace Lutheran Church and Maresh Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21st from 1-4 P.M. at The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake. Online condolences may be made to www.mareshfuneralhome.com

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