Melanie Witte

Melanie Mary Witte (née Rice), 77, of Stillwater, MN, passed away on October 28, 2025, after a brief fight with cancer.

Melanie was born on December 27, 1947 to Elmer and Lorraine Rice in Bayport, MN. After graduating from Stillwater High School in 1965, Melanie started her first job at Minnesota Mutual, but soon moved on to 3M where she worked as a Supply Chain Analyst for 44 years.

In 1970, Melanie met her husband, Gene, at Dibbo's bar in Hudson, WI after her friends ditched her and he graciously gave her a ride home after a few dances. Gene and Mel married in 1973 and spent their free time camping and going to car races in Brainerd and Elkhart Lake. They had one daughter, Shelley, in 1985, and devoted much of their time to cheering her on in her various activities and life endeavors.

In 2011, Melanie retired from 3M and spent five years supporting and caring for Gene as he lived with ALS. Her remaining retirement years were spent baking sweet treats, regularly visiting with friends, spending time with nieces and nephews, getting "fluffed and buffed" at LifeSpa, rewatching Hallmark Christmas movies and Friends episodes, and spoiling her granddogs.

Melanie was predeceased by her husband Gene, parents Elmer and Lorraine, sister Sharon, brother George, nephews Mark and John, and niece Michelle. She is survived by her daughter Shelley (Kevin Leigeb), 12 nieces, 6 nephews, and 35 great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Melanie's life will be on Sunday, November 9 from 11am-3pm at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear Lake. Luncheon at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: 

Women's Cancer Research Foundation https://www.womenscancerfoundation.com/support-wcrf and/or 

Stillwater Area School District's Partnership Plan https://partnershipplan.org/donate