Viola Sellin (nee Melzer) passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 102, on March 5, 2025.
Born June 15, 1922, in Balfour, North Dakota, the second of five children. At 4, her family moved by train to Kensal, ND and ultimately Courtney, ND where she attended grade school. The family relocated to Clotho and finally settled in Long Prairie, MN where she attended high school. She grew up on the family farm where she learned to plow with horses, tend to chickens, cook and bake for a threshing crew.
She married DeVere Sellin June 26, 1940, spent time in Seattle during the war, and ultimately moved to Rochester, MN in 1957, where she worked in two bakeries as a gifted wedding and birthday cake decorator. After retirement, she and DeVere moved to their Long Lake, MN cabin and ultimately to Brainerd, MN in 1988, where she has resided for the past 37 years.
Growing up in the great depression, she was frugal all her life. Relationships were more important to her than material things. She willingly supported and generously gave to her two girls those things she never had. A fantastic cook, a talented seamstress, and a person in constant motion, she was a wonderful multi-talented homemaker. As an avid reader and crossword puzzle fan, she spent her later years enjoying using her mind and remained sharp until her death. She will be remembered for quick wit, indomitable spirit, sassy attitude, sense of humor, and zest for life.
Preceded in death by her husband, DeVere; her parents Alfred and Bertha Melzer; brothers, Herbert and Rueben and sister Clara; and son-in-laws, Robert Baker and James Kennedy. Survived by two daughters, Vera Baker and Donna Kennedy; son-in-law, Spencer Angel; a brother, Melvin Melzer; and many step-grandchildren. No formal services at this time per Viola's wishes. Interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, MN.
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