Melissa Marquardt

Melissa Joy Marquardt was born March 26, 1982 in Fergus Falls, MN, the daughter of Gary and Mary Ann (Johnson) Halverson. Melissa attended school in Battle Lake, Barrett and Eagle Bend. Melissa moved to Alexandria, MN where she worked doing interior design and furniture sales. She was blessed with two children, Dylan and Hailey. Melissa enjoyed going antiquing, shopping at garage sales and decorating. She had the ability to pick up the simplest items and create art from them. She also spent time gardening, both flowers and vegetables. Melissa also enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She was known for her chili and huge chocolate chip cookies. At age twenty-one Melissa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She fought a very courageous battle. Her battle was not confined to her own situation. Melissa was active in Relay for Life and spent many years raising funds for research and aid to cancer victims. Melissa fought cancer every way she could, she loved life and she wanted to live. On Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Melissa?s battle ended; she was twenty-eight years old. She was preceded in death by two grandparents, Grace Johnson and Harry Halverson. Melissa is survived her fianc�e, Pete Watt and his son, Michael, of Alexandria; her children Dylan and Hailey Marquardt, and their father, Ryan Marquardt, of Parkers Prairie; her mother, Mary Ann Halverson of Alexandria; her father Gary Halverson of Eagle Bend, MN; her grandparents, Alvin Johnson of Pelican Rapids, MN and Dorothy Halverson of Frazee, MN; and her eight bothers, Russell Halverson (Karen) of Twin Valley, MN, Randall Halverson (Mary) of Fargo, ND, Richard Halverson of Fargo, Ronald Halverson (Sarah) of Barrett, MN, Gary Halverson (Renee) of Dilworth, MN, Bradley Halverson (Tammy) of Rollag, MN, Clinton Halverson of Fargo and Jonathan Halverson of Duluth, MN; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Living Waters Church in Alexandria. Reverend Jim Resa will officiate. Interment will follow in the Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include all of Melissa?s brothers. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Friday at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and also one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.