Melissa Ann Oskvig

Melissa Cooper Oskvig passed away early on March 16th at home. She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years Roger; her children Bryant (Devon), Cameron (Kelly), and Daven (Lianne); her grandchildren Ella, Kari, Ari, Henry, Arik, Hayden, and Elis; her twin sister Melinda Cooper (David) Brandenburg; her brothers Leroy (Nancy) Cooper and Burton (Glenda) Cooper; and many in-laws and nieces and nephews. She is preceded into eternal life by her parents Opal and Willis Cooper.

Melissa was born on May 31, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska and grew up on farms in Iowa, eventually marrying the boy from the neighboring farm she met at 4H. She graduated from Iowa Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and began her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse. The family relocated to Texas, and Melissa became very involved in their community and their Methodist Church. She helped costume design for theater groups, sang with choirs, rang with bell choirs, directed children’s church programs, joined community organizations, and served on countless committees. Following a move to Rochester, New York, Melissa continued in those endeavors including more costuming for the local theater groups, establishing a book club in her church, and leadership in the University of Rochester Women’s Club. Her last creative endeavors were completing the quilts left by her mother and passing them to her family. Melissa lived a lifetime in her faith, and she liked music, reading, baking, and creating with fabric.

Melissa adored her family, and she was adored by them. She will be sorely missed.

Honor Melissa by giving your time, talents, and/or your gifts to your choice of church or charity.

A Funeral Service will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel, Iowa on March 27th at 10:30am. A Memorial Service will be held at her home church of Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York on April 25th.