Darla J. Melz

Darla J. Melz, age 75, of Carlos, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at her home.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Deer Creek.

Darla Jean Melz, born on June 2, 1949, to Erwin and Miriam (Johnson) Zaske in Wadena, Minnesota, was raised in Deer Creek alongside her three sisters. She graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1967. On August 10, 1968, Darla married Donald Lee Melz at the United Methodist Church in Deer Creek. The couple began raising their family in Babbitt, where Darla embraced her roles as a homemaker and a dedicated community member. She served as a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, led confirmation classes, taught Sunday School, and was known throughout the community as a skilled seamstress. In 1984, the family moved to Grand Rapids, and later, in 2011, they settled in Carlos. Darla worked as a tax preparer for H&R Block for 25 years. Darla had many passions, including sewing, reading, ATVing, camping, baking, bird watching, garage saling, listening to music, and making frequent trips to Branson. She also loved fishing, canning, and, above all, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Miriam Zaske; parents-in-law, Mary and Leo Melz; sister, Margaret Andresen; niece, Teresa Steidl; and brothers-in-law, Russ Andrews, James Hestekind, and Arlan Andresen.

Darla is survived by her husband of 56 years, Don of Carlos; two children, Scott (Erin) Melz of Aitkin and Kristie (Chad) Invie of Brandon; two sisters, Virginia (Ginny) Hestekind of Circle Pines and Arlys Andrews of Wadena; four grandchildren, Grant and Kylee Invie, and Sienna and Bryden Melz; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Memorials are preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice of Alexandria.