Obituary of Melanie Jean Rodenbo

Melanie Jean Rodenbo passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. Now beyond hurt, beyond worry in a place of perfect peace. Melanie was born Aug. 12,1953 at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth to James H. and Mary Jane (Richardson) Chipman. Melanie graduated from Denfeld High School in 1971. She pursued a career as a respiratory therapist at St. Luke's Hospital and Miller Dwan Hospital. Melanie went on to obtain a BA Degree in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica in 1990. She then joined the Nursing Department at St. Luke's Hospital in Post Coronary Care as an RN and shortly thereafter, transferred to Post Anesthesia Care where she worked until September of 2014. Melanie enjoyed living on Fish Lake with husband Jerry and her pets. A lover of nature and animals, she supported many animal causes and rescued several dogs and cats during her lifetime. She was a gardener, avid reader, history buff, a creative needleworker, and a stained glass artist. She was also a tea connoisseur and a gourmet cook. Melanie was passionate about music. She was also very spiritual and adventurous and traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe with Jerry. Melanie will also be remembered for her courage, her humor and generous, sweet nature. Melanie is survived by husband Jerry Rodenbo; three sisters, Marsha Chipman and Mary Jo Bowman of Duluth and Patty (Kirk) Olson of Superior, Wis. She is also survived by extended family, many special friends, and her beloved pets. Melanie's family would like to express their heart felt gratitude to the entire staff of St. Luke's Hospital for their compassion, dedication, and loving care. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Mark Goellner, Dr. Basem Goueli and his oncology associates, and to Dr. Jeff Speer. VISITATION: 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. memorial service on Jan. 31, 2015 in the Cremation Society of MN at 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth. The family requests memorials to be directed to Animal Allies of Duluth, Best Friends Animal Society, the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the giver's choice.