Melanie Ann White

Melanie Ann White died on August 24, 2023. She was born on June 22, 1962 in Des Moines, Iowa to Theodore and Carole Klein. Melanie grew up in the Oak Park area of Des Moines and spent her childhood years exploring and taking in the beauty of the United States, Canada, and Mexico on family vacations. She enjoyed camping with her family and playing at her aunt and uncle’s farm near Boone, Iowa. These early experiences cultivated Mel’s appreciation and admiration for nature and the outdoors.

As a young mom, she started running the country gravel roads to be physically active and finished her first road race, the Dam to Dam. She went on to complete more road races and even ran a few alongside her daughter Natalie. Whether it was lifting weights in the gym or being active outside, it was no secret that health and physical activity were important to her. She enjoyed hiking, tennis, and road biking in Ragbrai as well as trying new things like rock climbing, kayaking, and sky diving. Although it was well known cooking was not one of her hobbies, Mel appreciated traveling and experiencing different cultures. She had opportunities to travel abroad as a field service coordinator at Compressor Controls Corporation during her dedicated 31 years. One of her most memorable trips was to Amsterdam with her son Joe.

Melanie was sweet, had a bright white smile, and while she was at times quiet, she had an unforgettable laugh that she gifted to her daughter Cheri. It’s impossible to talk about Mel without mentioning her true passion, fostering Weimaraners with the Iowa Weim Rescue. She had a deep love for all animals but developed a genuine adoration for Weimaraners. Mel generously welcomed many fosters into her home, patiently rehabilitated those with ailments, and showered each one (old and young) with unconditional love until they found their forever homes. Though the dearest to her were the two fosters she adopted, the girls: Jade and Jess.

Like many of us, Mel experienced great loss and trauma despite the many beautiful chapters in her life. Unfortunately, when self-care was so vital, prioritizing her own health became much too difficult when coping with life and circumstances beyond her control.

She is preceded in death by her first born daughter Cheri Mari White, her parents Theodore Victor Klein and Carole Joyce Dickey Klein, and her beloved Weimaraners, Jade and Jess. She is survived by her two children; Joseph Victor White and Natalie Olivia (Zachary Rosen) White; two grandchildren Oliver James and Lola Marie Rosen; her sister Sheila (Ken) Weckman; her niece Nicole (Tom) Roderick; nephew Mike (Sara) Weckman; and five great nieces and a great nephew.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Iowa Weim Rescue via their website www.iowaweimrescue.org.

A memorial remembrance will be held at a later date.

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