Dorene Marilyn Melstrom, age 81, lifelong resident of Ellsworth, WI, passed away December 4, 2020 at the Plum City Care Center.  Dorene was born April 27, 1939 in Red Wing, MN to Herbert and Myrtle (Olson) Olson.  She graduated from Ellsworth High School, with the Class of 1957.  On July 3, 1959, Dorene was united in marriage to Perry Edward Melstrom at the First Covenant Church in River Falls.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Gregg and Ruth.  Dorene worked as an Optometric Assistant for the Ritzinger Eye Clinic and Julie Lee for over 40 years.  She also graciously volunteered at the Ellsworth High School and helped with the Blood Mobile, and was a blood donor for over 55 years.

Dorene enjoyed her time baking, crafting, doing cross stich and knitting.  She loved her garden and flowers.  She found joy in having coffee with friends and treasured family get-togethers.  Dorene was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, who delighted in cheering on her team.  Dorene was a wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren, Brady and Madison.  She had such a loving heart for others, and often took on the role as a second grandparent to nieces and nephews and dear friends children.  Dorene proudly supported her nephews and their children by watching their High School football games and wrestling matches.  Dorene and Perry were fortunate to share many camping trips and travels to Arizona and Florida together, along with 61 wonderful years of marriage.

Dorene will remain in the hearts of her husband, Perry; son, Gregg (Lori) Melstrom of Florida; daughter, Ruth (Troy) Lawrence of Baldwin; grandchildren, Brady and Madison; sisters, Delores Ruckle and Charlotte “Jean” (Mike) McCusker; and many other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Myrtle Olson; sister, Marjorie Meacham; brother-in-law, Harold Ruckle; and nephew, Paul McCusker.

With the ongoing Covid pandemic, no services will be held at this time.  A Celebration of Dorene’s life will take place at a later date.  For further service details, please call Dorene’s family or email them at celebration2parents@yahoo.com. Condolences may be directed to:  The Family of Dorene Melstrom, O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home, 130 N Grant St., Ellsworth, WI  54011. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com (715) 273-4421