Melinda Marie Lexow, age 71, of Manitowoc, WI died of Alzheimer's at home on October 16, 2015, with family and friends by her side. She was born October 31, 1943 in Chicago, IL to Edward and Bernice (Kosis) Stepnicka.

Melinda was a graduate of Gage Park High School in Chicago, where she first met Harold Lexow. They married on December 7, 1963. In 1971, they left the southwest-side of the city for a lake and large yard in Downers Grove, IL. There they raised their two young girls. Melinda rejoined the work force in the fall of 1974 at the Suburban Library System in LaGrange, IL, which provided her the flexibility of summers off to enjoy family adventures. In 1983, Melinda transitioned to the United Church of Christ Conference office in Westchester, IL where she faithfully served as the Audio Visual Librarian for 20 years. She and Harold retired to their dream home along the shores of Lake Michigan in 2003.

Melinda's hands were always busy. She loved crafting, baking, gardening, walking through woods and strolling the beach of Lake Michigan. Melinda and Harold enjoyed dancing in ballrooms, at formal occasions, as well as in the living room on a Saturday night. One of her greatest joys was celebrating the holidays with a house filled with family and friends. A Girl Scout leader and member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove and later Grace Congregational United Church of Christ in Two Rivers, Melinda dedicated her life to serving her family and others.

She is survived by her husband: Harold; her daughters: Kimberly (Brian) Medaglia and Gwen Lexow (Jennifer Jewell); and her sister: Nancy Fowle. She was predeceased by her parents.

A visitation with the family will be held at 1pm on Saturday October 24, 2015 at Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, 2801 Garfield St, Two Rivers, WI. with the memorial service beginning at 2pm. Officiating will be Rev. Kim Henning, Rev. Brian Medaglia, son-in-law and Rev. Colie Bettivia. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church fellowship hall. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.