Melanie Haggard

MARSHALL — There will be a celebration of life for Melanie Marie (Claeys) Haggard at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at Independence Park in Marshall.

Mel died from complications due to COPD at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by family members.

Mel was born to John and Arlene Claeys in Minneota and spent her youth there. She joined the Air Force and attained the rank of First Sergeant before her retirement.

Mel is survived by her daughters Bobbi Jo Baune and Emily (Anthony) Peterson; grandchildren Maia, Blake and Kyla Baune and Lilly Mae Peterson; siblings Mark (Laura) Claeys, Molly Zobrist, Jennifer Katz, Susan (Rusty) Restoff, Nancy (Butch Warnke) Claeys, Kevin Claeys, Marna (Mark) Lipinski and Kristin Claeys; and many nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by her parents, John and Arlene Claeys; grandson, Michael Anthony Baune; sister, Shari Claeys; and brother-in-law, Gary Zobrist.

“It takes a lot of strength to let go.”