Melanie M. Ochs, age 81, of Redwood Falls, MN, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls and will continue one and half hours prior to the Mass at the church. The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Falls are in charge of the arrangements.
Melanie Mathilda Ochs was born on March 20, 1943, in Redwood Falls, MN. She was the daughter of Otis and Anna (Jenniges) Evans. Melanie was baptized as an infant on March, 28 1943, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on October 24, 1955, both at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Wanda. She received her education in Redwood Falls, and was a graduate of the Redwood Falls High School Class of 1961. On February 3, 1962, Melanie was united in marriage to Thomas Vincent Ochs at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls, and they made their home in Springfield, MN. This marriage was blessed with 12 children. In 1969, the family moved to Redwood Falls. Melanie and Tom shared almost 52 years of marriage prior to the passing of Tom on December 31, 2013. Melanie was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. She was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and beliefs and often led Rosary prior to Mass. Melanie enjoyed volunteering at the food shelf, sewing/quilting, and repurposing unwanted furniture. She especially enjoyed spending time with her dog, “Dolly,” family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
Melanie is survived by her children, Theresa Folkens, Gerald Ochs, Marya (Gregg) Wieland, Charles (Tina) Ochs, Melinda McFarland, Thomas (Kristin) Ochs, John (Mary) Ochs, Elizabeth (Joseph) Werner, Michael Ochs, Mark (Marianne) Ochs, Christopher (Wendy) Ochs; 39 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; 10 Brothers and Sisters and their spouses; Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Melanie is preceded in death by her Parents, Otis and Anna Evans; Husband, Thomas Ochs; Daughter, Catherine Ochs; Granddaughter, Samantha Folkens; Great-granddaughter, Natalie Baker; Brothers, Thomas Evans and Guy Evans.
Memorials preferred to Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life or Feed My Starving Children. Websites, https://www.mccl.org/donatenow or https://www.fmsc.org/ways-to-give/fundraise-for-fmsc.
