After a life well-lived, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Melinda Kae McGee, known to many simply as Mel. She was born on August 8, 1958, in Duluth, MN where she lived until she was a young adult. Mel peacefully passed away at her home in Askov on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. She was the daughter of Anthony Pryatel and Judith Trifilette.

Mel had a heart full of love for the outdoors, enjoying camping, agate picking, and spending time in the company of family, friends, and nature. She was also passionate about arts and crafts, always finding joy in collecting various items.

She will be forever remembered by her loving family, including her dad and stepmom Tony and Lee Pryatel; siblings, sister, Wendy (Wendell) Robinson, sister, Beth Seidl, and brother Chad Pryatel; her children, daughter, Amber (Aston) Keehr, son, Jacob Mattson, daughter, Maggie (Cody) McGee, and daughter Miranda (Nick) Plafcan; her fur baby and companion Minka; grandchildren Adriana, Ariel, Gabriel, Sophie, Samuel, Lizzy, Jackson, Mason; her special friend Danny; nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and many close friends. Mel was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Judy and Hugh Trifilette, her granddaughter Aliah, and her brother in law, Jay Seidl. She will be missed by many.

A celebration of Mel's life will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 22nd with her mother Judy's at Chambers Grove Park located at Highway 23 and 137th Ave W. by Duluth, Minnesota, where friends and family will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life. Mel's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

The family would like to share the following poem in remembering Mel:

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see. If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish that you wouldn't cry the way that you did today, while thinking of the many things that we didn't get to say. I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know that you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand and said that my place was ready in heaven far above, and that I have to leave those I dearly love. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we are far apart, for every time you think of me I will always be in your heart.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.