Adele Ellnora Strike

ADELE ELLNORA STRIKE April 16, 1914 – September 10, 2017                   Adele Ellnora (Mellesmoen) Strike, age 103, of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Sebeka, MN peacefully passed into eternity in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids.                 Adele was born on April 16, 1914 to William and Ella (Steinkraus) Petersen at her parent’s farm in North Germany Township east of Sebeka.  As a young woman, she helped on her parent’s farm where she developed a real love for and skill in animal husbandry.  On November 1, 1933, she was united in marriage to Bennie Oliver Mellesmoen.  They were blessed with six children: Dean, Duane, Delbert, Dennis, Sharon and Karen.  Adele devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children.  She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious home cooking; especially, her fresh cinnamon rolls.  In addition to caring for her family, Adele worked right alongside her husband in the daily rigors of farming.  She took responsibility for the daily care and milking of their Holstein dairy herd and also worked long days in the fields harvesting the crops needed to feed their livestock.  Each spring, she enjoyed planting a large vegetable garden which she would nurture into fruitful abundance to can for the needs of her growing family.  She and the children would spend time in the woods picking blueberries for jellies and her wonderful pies.  Adele would often work late into the night mending clothes for her children.  On December 15, 1960, Oliver died at a young age, leaving her with the farm and her two daughters to finish raising.  In the early 60’s, Adele sold the farm and moved to Minneapolis.  There she gained employment working at the Egevist Bakeries where she met  David Strike.  The two were married on March 13, 1965.  They retired to a hobby farm near McGregor, MN where they enjoyed spending much time out on the lakes fishing together, attending old fashioned barn dances and hosting card parties.  David preceded Adele in death on August 9, 1991.  Shortly after David’s death, Adele moved to Silver Bay, MN to be closer to her sons.  In the early 90’s she moved to Park Rapids where her twin daughters, Sharon and Karen lived.  She resided in the Court Apartments for a number of years before moving to the Heritage Living Center in December of 2012.  Adele was a  member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.                  Adele will be lovingly remembered by her three sons: Duane (Carol) Mellesmoen of Champlin and Dennis (Vernie) Mellesmoen all of Silver Bay and Delbert (Annette) Mellesmoen of Park Rapids; her two daughters: Sharon Gerlach of Fargo, ND and Karen (Dale) Pickar of Park Rapids; 22 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.                 She was preceded in death by her husbands: Oliver and David; her son, Dean; six brothers:  Carl, Christ, William, Elva, Kenneth and Harvey.                 Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Norby officiating.  The casket bearers will be Adele’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Interment will be made in the Sebeka West Cemetery next to her first husband.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Thursday evening at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue Friday morning beginning one hour prior to the services.  A luncheon will be hosted by the Calvary Lutheran Church for all.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com