Melba Irene Hameister, 96, of Rochester, passed away peacefully Friday at Golden Living Center West.
Melba was born Oct. 16, 1917, in Mound, Minn., to Otto and Mary (Batdorf) Keckhafer. Melba was raised in West Central Minnesota and moved to Rochester at the age of 9 and has been a resident ever since. She attended Rochester High School and Rochester Junior College.
On Nov. 26, 1937, Melba married Rudi Hameister. She was an LPN at the former Rochester State Hospital and retired in 1982 after 27 years of nursing. Melba served as an officer for the Retired State Employees Organization.
She was a member at the Senior Citizens Center and volunteered much of her time there at the center. Melba enjoyed playing cards, bingo and traveling. Above all, Melba loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and making memories with her entire family.
Melba is survived by her children, Lucille Petersen, of Sun City, Ariz., Virginia Hameister, of North Branch, Donald (Pam) Hameister of Blooming Prairie, Beverly (Roger) Miner, of Brownsdale, Judy Hameister, of Rochester, and Raymond (Genie) Hameister, of Rochester; 19 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Rudi; her parents; five sisters; four brothers; and son-in-law, Marty Petersen.
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A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 14, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 13, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Pastor Rudi Hameister, Melba's grandson, will be officiating. Inurnment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com.
