Lenore Helen Meland peacefully passed away on April 6, 2023 in Chandler, Arizona surrounded by her family. The youngest daughter of Hilda (Hovland) and Norin Korsmo, Lennie was born in Northwood, North Dakota on August 20, 1933. She attended Northwood Elementary and High School where she met and later married the love of her life, Wesley Meland.
On May 3, 1958 they wed at Northwood Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Lennie and Wes moved to Moorhead, MN, where they started their family while Wes served in the Air National Guard. In 1962, they moved to Northwood and opened Northwood Plumbing and Heating, where Lennie served as the business bookkeeper, while also attending women’s church groups, enjoying coffee parties, supporting her children’s school activities, painting ceramics, and making sure her family made it to church on time every Sunday.
In 1984, Lennie and Wes moved to Arizona. They enjoyed hiking, boating, camping, and trips to San Diego. Lennie was a patient gold panning supporter to her husband. They filled their days with humor, love, and spoiling their grandchildren. Lennie was always up for adventure. Even in her 80’s, she was still enjoying the rides at Disneyland with her family. She loved hosting the visiting relatives, especially her nieces and nephews, doing puzzles and word searches, listening to Christian music, serving friends coffee and cookies, visiting with neighbors, talking to golfers that passed by her house, staying up late to admire the night sky, cheering on all the Arizona sports teams, and feeding the wild love birds in her well-tended garden.
She treasured her time with family and friends.
She left us at peace, ready to meet Jesus face to face and reunite with her loved ones. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Wesley, her parents, and siblings Joseph, Peder, Alvin, Norin, and Solveig.
Lennie is survived by her children, Mark Meland and Beth (Bryan) Solace; her grandchildren, Danielle (Matt), Brennen, Cameron, Jake, and Alex;
and her great granddaughter, Margot Lenore.
She is also survived by her sister, Valborg and brother, Richard.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Funeral service will take place on
Thursday April 13, 2023 at 11:00 at Desert Cross Lutheran Church, Tempe, AZ.
Internment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank everyone for all of the prayers and support that have been provided during this difficult time.
Mark & Beth- many fond memories of your mom (& dad). I remember MANY years ago being at your home in Northwood, playing with Beth, when there visiting Reuben & Aldene! I can still remember your moms voice! She looks remarkable in the picture! Treasure your memories of her!