Funeral services were held for Clara Alida Melin, age 87, of Brandon, SD on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD. She died on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Bethany Home in Brandon, SD.
Clara was born on March 4, 1932 in Ede, Holland to Alt and Klaartje (Kleier) Van Appel. She was raised and received her education in Holland, living thru the Nazi occupation during WWII. She and her family came to the United States of America in 1948 at the age of 16.
Clara was united in marriage with Jacob Kroon on February 5, 1951 in Valley Springs, SD. Clara and Jacob were blessed with three children: Melvin, Cynthia and Bonita while making their home in Sioux Falls until 1964, when the family moved to Luverne, MN where she worked at a grocery store. The family returned to Sioux Falls in 1970. Jacob died in an automobile accident on March 28,1975.
Clara was united in marriage with David Melin on August 22, 1980 in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple made their home on a farm near Larchwood, IA until 1996, when Clara and David moved to Sioux Falls, SD. They moved to Brandon, SD in 2006 and resided at Bethany Meadows. David passed away on March 21, 2009.
Clara was a strong Christian Woman who often spoke to others about her life in Holland during WWII and her experiences in the United States of America. She was a member of Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon and volunteered for many years at Sioux Valley Hospital and Meals on Wheels. Clara enjoyed traveling, sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking and above all, spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren.
Grateful for having shared her life are her three children: Melvin (Debra) Kroon, Adrian, MN, Cynthia Lathrop of Rochester, MN and Bonita Kroon of Everett, WA; four grandchildren: Stephanie Kroon of Shoreview, MN, Ben (Jennifer) Kroon, Maple Grove, MN; Matt Lathrop, Missoula, MT and Mark (Chloe) Kroon, Placerville, CA; three great-grandchildren: Capri, Beckett and Heston Kroon; one sister, Wilma Haan of Sioux Falls, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jacob Kroon; husband, David Melin; son-in-law, Michael Lathrop; two brothers: Stanley and John Van Appel; and one sister, Henrietta Schmitski.
Please direct memorial donations to the Bethany Foundation in Brandon, SD.
George Boom Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
