Charlene Maria (Bechedahl) Melaas, 67, of Maddock, ND passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. A Graveside Service will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Maddock at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 30, 2026 with Pastor Cassie Borges officiating, followed by a reception at the Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Fund: 4163 52nd Avenue NE Maddock, ND 58348.

Charlene was born August 24, 1958 in Kenmare, ND to Vernon and Darlene Beckedahl and was raised in western North Dakota. Later, she moved to the Maddock area to be with her mom and stepdad, Alvin "Ollie" Jacobson. There she met Loren Melaas and the couple married June 24, 1978. Together they were blessed with five children: Lucas, Brian, Lyman, Leon and Ellie.

While raising her children, Charlene worked for neighbors that became like family; John and Pat Scott. She loved her family and friends, enjoyed the company of her pets and the peace and nature of the farm.

Charlene is survived by her children, Lucas of Devils Lake, ND, Brian (Michelle) of Minot, ND, Lyman (Skyla) of Devils Lake, ND, and Ellie (Riley Reinholt) of Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Lucas J., Erika, Elyse, Ian, Nadia, Mieah, Zander, and Lyla; brother, Greg (Susan) Knutson of Dickinson, ND; niece, Jaime Trotter of Dayton, OH.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren; son, Leon; parents, Vernon Beckedahl and Darlene Jacobson; stepdad, Alvin "Ollie" Jacobson; brother, Vernon Beckedahl Jr.