Melanie Mary (Swenson) Murray 1978-2021

MURRAY, SWENSON, LYON

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 11/27/2021 at 09:46:48

Melanie Mary Murray, daughter of Steve Swenson and Nancy (Lyon) Swenson, was born in Pocahontas, Iowa on July 18, 1978. She passed away at her home in rural Wallingford,Iowa surrounded by family on October 30, 2021 at the age of 43.

Melanie graduated from Pomeroy Palmer High School in 1996. She began work as a CNA at St. Luke's in Spencer. She met the love of her life Allan Murray in 1999. The couple was wed on September 22, 2001 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger. Mel attended Iowa Lakes Community College Program of Nursing and completed her RN Degree in 2004. She worked a short time in home health, before becoming employed at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville.

Melanie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger and was an active member of the GTRA Booster Club. Mel loved to spend time watching her children in their sports and activities. She always had a great time with her friends on and off the golf course. Mel enjoyed taking walks around the lake, taking care of her animals, and watching the Vikings. Playing cards and spending time with her family always brought lots of laughs and good times. Mel will be remembered for her infectious laugh, quick wit, and helping attitude. She was always willing to help someone in need, and sometimes that meant being the "mom" to not only her kids, but her kid's friends as well. She wasn't afraid to tell them to behave when they were misbehaving but was equally quick to praise them for their accomplishments.

Melanie is survived by her husband of 20 years, Al of Wallingford, her children Kelvin (Jessica Wood) Higgins of Graettinger, Carter Murray of Ames, Tanner Murray of Wallingford, and Riley Murray of Wallingford, and grandson Camden Higgins of Graettinger. She is also survived by her parents Steve Swenson (Cindy) of Rockwell City, Iowa and Nancy Swenson of Palmer,Iowa; her grandmother Helen Swenson of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, her siblings Stephenie Swenson (Kurt) of Johnston and Larame Swenson of Laurens,Iowa; her sisters-in-law Stacy (Jake) Ebel of Graettinger and Abby (Eric) Jensen of Graettinger. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Ethan and Brooklyn Hougland, Shaun and Cody Swenson, Tyler Manning, Hailey Ebel, and Connor and Evan Jensen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Melanie is preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law Terry and Rebecca Murray, her grandparents: Betty Lyon, Sewell Lyon, and Vernyl Swenson, and her uncle Curtis Lyon.

The funeral service was held Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Graettinger, Iowa with interment at Valley View Cemetery in Graettinger.

(Source: Henry-Olson Funeral Home, Estherville, Iowa.)