Melanie A. Role

Melanie A. Role, 81, of Coon Valley, passed away peacefully at Mayo Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin early Friday morning, December 29, 2023. Melanie was born on April 10, 1942, to Virgil and Vivian (Hagen) Mathison in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed in the Coon Valley Lutheran Church.

Melanie was raised in Coon Valley and graduated from Westby High School in 1960. She was united in marriage to Donald R. Role on August 20, 1960 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Donald and Melanie built their life in Coon Valley, which included building their home and raising their family there. Family was everything to Melanie, and she loved celebrating holidays and life milestones. Her favorite season was Christmas, when she crafted her own holiday boxes and bows for her loved ones. She worked for the village of Coon Valley as a clerk and later treasurer responsibilities for 30 years. She was active in the Coon Creek Veterans Memorial Committee, which included financial secretary. She served on several committees and roles for Vernon County government including, Department of Human Services, Vernon County Board of Supervisors, and Vernon County Jury Commissioner. She also worked as bookkeeper for Vernon Burke, Bud McCormick, John and Dennis Nerison. She had the privilege of serving as a Cub Scout leader. She was a lifelong member of the Coon Valley Lutheran Church, a member WELCA, South Ridge Circle, and serving committee.

Melanie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald, a daughter, Donna (Dan) Nelson of Westby, two sons, Brian (Jen Johnson) of Westby, and Bradley (Kelly) of Coon Valley, sister, Cheryl (Paul) Nelson of Sparta, and a sister-in-law, 4 grandchildren Alison (Jared) Emmart of La Crosse, Danielle (Brady) Callahan of Sheboygan, Erik Role (Katie Conklin) of Madison, Andy Role (Ari Weaver) of Madison, and a “grandma great” to three great grandchildren; Elsie and Isak Emmart of La Crosse, Vivian Callahan of Sheboygan, and several beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends. Melanie was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Julie Craft, and brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday January 4, 2024 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Jim Scaife will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time. Visit selandsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.

In honor of her love of her community, donations should be directed to the Coon Creek Veterans Memorial Committee or the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. The Role family sends their deepest appreciation to the Mayo Health System in La Crosse, VMH Hirsch and Bland Clinic staff, and a special thank you to Dr. Deborah Prior