Melvyn Dale and Susan Halleen Awes
Mel & Sue went to heaven side by side, hand in hand, on December 10, 2020. Though in wonderful health only weeks before, they died of COVID-19. They lived many places in their 60 years of marriage, but were MN at heart, including their love of city lakes and paths, downtown Mpls, Vikings and Gophers, long drives to explore and remember, and their beloved North Shore. Most recently, they lived happily at The Lanterns in Edina. Mel (81) was from Winona, college at U of M, and immediately swept into a long and fulfilling career in sales and consulting. He was extroverted, joyful, quick to react, a sports fanatic, a phone guy, generous, in your corner, and giant hearted. Sue (80) began in SLP, high school in Lake City, college UofM, and a chosen stay-at-home mom until her 50s when she found a new calling building up women in direct sales. She was swedish folk painter and beautifully blogged for 10 years at mayfirsteverlasting.com. She was introverted, thoughtful, seeking of truth, occasionally wicked, exceptionally good, amused at much, rich, and light of heart. Both Mel & Sue delighted in people, in conversation, and in being spontaneous. They were devoted to Church of the Cross in Hopkins and multiple bible studies and small groups. They loved and cared for each other, remarkably paired, and reveled in their family of five children, spouses and grandkids. Above all, they praised God in joy and in sorrow, and in the everyday, sharing Christ with countless. Their crowns are many-jeweled, their lives everlasting. Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Fritz & Lu Awes, and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Robert & Janice Awes, Kenneth & Theresa Awes, and Vernon & Marlys Awes. Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Tony & Dorothy (Dolly) Halleen, and her brother Brian Halleen. Mel & Sue are survived by their children and daughters/sons-in-law: Christian & Lori Awes, Jackie Awes, Ben & Rachel Awes, Sarah & Tony Zdenek, Seth & Marit Awes, and Emily & Darrick Anderson. Grandchildren: Ali & Tim, Erin & Ted, Adam, Abe, Sam, Michaela, Gust, Axel, Susie, Rafe, Britta, Annika, and Great Grand Elin. Sue’s Siblings: Mike & Barb Halleen, Mark & Bonnie Halleen, Julie & Dwight Nelson. Cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors are included in our hearts. We also lift up the formidable front line workers at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, thanking them for their beautiful care and commitment. A Memorial Service is postponed until late spring or summer to keep everyone safe. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Orphans Tree, near and dear to Mel & Sue’s hearts and actions. orphanstree.org/donate or Orphan’s Tree, PO Box 62904, Colorado Springs, CO 80962. (Published in the Star Tribune on December 20, 2020)