Kathryn Frances Melvin

Kathryn (Kathy) Frances Melvin, 81, of Plainview, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Green Prairie Rehabilitation Center in Plainview, Minnesota, with family by her side.

She was born at home on November 9, 1943, in Plainview, Minnesota, to Francis and Mary (Mae) Taylor. She graduated from Plainview High School and worked for IBM in Rochester for a time.

During a local dance, Kathy met James (Jim) Melvin, and they were married six months later on October 20, 1962, at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Plainview. Their marriage flourished for 62 years, filled with love and cherished memories. In 1968, Jim and Kathy bought a dairy farm north of Plainview, where they raised their four sons. Besides caring for her family, Kathy spent time on the farm tending to calves and kittens and riding horses. For many years, Kathy took part in a local bowling league and community groups. She was a lifelong member of St. Joachim Catholic parish.

In later years, she loved traveling with Jim to the Southwest, including Laughlin, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona. When at home, Kathy always had special treats on hand for visits with her grandkids. She also enjoyed gardening, spending time with loved ones, and was adored by the family dog, Rain.

She is survived by her husband Jim; sons Mark (Steev Mallon) of St. Paul, MN, Michael (Kathy) of Park Rapids, MN, Kevin (Sara Smith) of Eagan, MN, and Jason of Plainview, MN; and three grandchildren Nicholas and Lucy of Eagan, MN, and Thomas of Fargo, ND. Kathy is also survived by her sisters Jane (Ted) Karau of Rochester, MN, and Mary (Alfred) Lehmkuhl of Winona, MN; brother John (Beth) Taylor of Rochester, MN; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and brother Thomas Taylor.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Plainview. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow at the church. If desired, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview is assisting the family with arrangements.