Melanie Jean Burke, October 29, 1958 — May 08, 2019

Melanie’s Obituary Melanie Jean (Clasen) Burke, age 60, died unexpectedly at her home in Duluth, Minnesota on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Melanie was born on October 29, 1958 in Austin, Minnesota to James and Jean (Evans) Clasen. She was raised in Austin where she attended Sumner Elementary School and graduated from Austin High School in 1977.

After graduation, Melanie studied at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Melanie married Thomas Burke on December 8, 1991 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin; they later divorced but remained close friends. Melanie was employed by Regency Home HealthCare Agency and spent much of her life helping others receive quality, loving in-home care.

She enjoyed her duties as office coordinator and took pride in scheduling skilled care givers to serve the agency’s clients. Melanie, a long time resident of Duluth, enjoyed living near Lake Superior and the weather of Northern Minnesota where she raised her son and granddaughters. She enjoyed listening to music; her favorite playlists included Motown oldies and R&B.

You could often hear Melanie singing Karaoke for her friends and family. Melanie’s love for cooking inspired her granddaughters to join her in the kitchen, as they affectionately nicknamed her the “Paula Deen of the north”. Many summers Melanie enjoyed time at the family cabin in Cross Lake, Minnesota.

Following in her father’s footsteps, her green thumb enhanced the cabin’s landscape with beautiful flower plantings. Additional hobbies included playing board games, completing crossword puzzles, and reading the next bestselling novel. She was a lover of all things Harry Potter and enjoyed binge watching movie re-runs with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Tom; and longtime friend, Steve Goines. Melanie is survived by her son, Jeffrey Clasen, of Midland, Texas; granddaughters. Daisha, Tawney, Rachel and Maura; sister, Julie (Geri Estvanik) Clasen of Berwyn, Illinois; brother, Dave (Leanne) Clasen of Austin, Minnesota; niece, Alexandra (Erik) Sherman and their son, Brooks; nephews, Sam, Seth and Isaac Clasen; Uncle, D. Gerywn (Margaret) Evans of Pencoed S. Wales; and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17th at Peace United Church of Christ, 1111 11th Avenue East, Duluth with the Reverend Kathy Nelson officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour before the service.

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