Thursday, September 19, 2024

Jolene Melchert-Stalker

June 14, 1954 - Aug. 23, 2024

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Jolene Melchert-Stalker passed away peacefully at home, on Aug. 23, 2024, after a brief but hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by loved ones.

Jolene was born to Ernest and Nila (Kelley) Melchert on June 14, 1954 in McCook, Neb. She graduated in 1972 from McCook Senior High School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Bellevue University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Jo lived in Grand Island, Neb. where she raised two sons, Kelly (Brandi) and Kris (Adrian). Later, while working at the St Francis Hospital Alcohol Drug Center Jolene met co-worker Richard Stalker. They married in November, 1991. She served as a Program Manager there for more than 40 years.

Jolene will be remembered for her effervescent attitude, her inquisitive nature, outgoing personality and overwhelming generosity. She loved state fairs, the beauty of the Plains, country music, the Nebraska Junk Jaunt, where her friends, the “Greek Ladies”, sold antiques and cooked amazing Greek food. She never met a stranger and was always there to lend a hand. She will be missed by all who met her.

Jo’s interest in travel was first piqued by a trip to Europe (France and the UK) with her mother and brother. She would later visit Italy, Greece, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam, in addition to several cruise destinations. She and Dick made cross country trips in the US in their RV. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren at their lakefront home in Nebraska.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Dick. She is survived by her brothers, Jim (Jan) of St George, Utah and John (Galen) of Calais, Maine, grandchildren Kennedy, Kyah, Tanner and Riley. Her partner, John Hoffman, also survives her.

Inurnment will be at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Neb.