Melany Kay Jennings

Melany K. Jennings, 51, of Ogden, Iowa passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at her home while surrounded by her loving family due to complications from a hard fought battle with cancer.

A visitation for Melany will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden. A private family memorial service will be held Friday, June 4, 2021 at the funeral home with private family burial following at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden. A public celebration of life luncheon will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the Melchert residence located at 519 NE 2nd Street in Ogden.

Melany Kay Melchert, daughter of Maynard and Patricia (Olson) Melchert was born on January 2, 1970 in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, the first baby of the year. Melany was blessed with an energetic little brother, Mitchell. As a family, the Melcherts moved to Ogden in 1974. She graduated with the Ogden High School class of 1988 and furthered her education at Spencer School of Business where she received an associate’s degree. She married Billy Olesen in 1989 and welcomed Alexis Ann and later Kaitlynn Kay. The couple started their family in Ogden and later divorced.

On March 30, 2013, Melany was united in marriage to Brian Jennings and gained her three step-sons; Tyler, Brendan and Alexander. The couple made their home in Ogden. Brian and Melany owned an Old Hickory Buildings and Sheds dealership and were owners of rental properties in Ogden where they strived to provide affordable housing and assist in the growth of the Ogden community. She served on various committees in Ogden to give back to the community that she loved.

Melany took pride in her work at Peoples Bank in Ogden, as Vice President and Branch Manager. She loved the people she worked with, her customers, and being able to be a first call for many with any banking or financial questions.

She was the mom who never missed an activity as the kids were growing up and taught them that hard work and motivation pay off. She would proudly tell everyone that her favorite title was Nana. She was the best Nana to her grandbabies and loved shopping for them to make sure they always had the cutest clothes around. Her grandbabies lit up her world.

In Melany’s free time she loved to craft and use her Cricut/Cameo to make the best shower, wedding, and birthday party decorations. Melany was known for her adorable centerpieces, scrapbooks, party decorations, jewelry, and various other crafts she simply had a talent to create.

Melany was preceded in death by her husband, Brian; her mother, Patricia Melchert, her brother, Mitchell Melchert; and grandparents, Florence Olson, Sidney Olson, Howard Melchert, Edna Ida Melchert and Henry Hansen.

Survivors include her children, Lexi (Eric) Elliott of Ogden, IA, Katie (Damon) Moran of Boone, IA, Tyler (Brianna Wichman) Joss of Yuma, AZ, Brendan Jennings, and Xander Jennings both of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Landon, Aubree, Masyn, and Micah; her father, Maynard (Teresa) Melchert of Ogden, IA; sister-in-law, Lisa Melchert also of Ogden; father and mother-in-law, Roy and Cathy Jennings of Queen City, MO; brother-in-law, Brady (Cassie) Jennings of O’Fallon, MO; nieces, Allison (Greg) Hamilton, Mallory, Holly & Allyssa Melchert, Alivia and Avery Jennings; and other aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Memorials will be left to establish a scholarship in honor of Melany for Ogden students that choose to study business, finance, or banking.