Melissa Jane Engelken, 52, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Melissa was born on July 24, 1973, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Merlin and Gloria (Carroll) Paulson. She grew up in Rochester and graduated from Mayo High School in 1991. Following high school, Melissa attended Winona State University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, beginning a lifelong commitment to caring for and advocating for others.

On July 27, 1996, Melissa was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jeff Engelken, at Church of the Resurrection in Rochester. Their marriage was blessed with three children, who were the pride and joy of Melissa's life.

Melissa devoted much of her professional career to serving others through her work with Olmsted County, where she compassionately supported elderly individuals facing mental health challenges. Her kindness, empathy, and dedication touched countless lives. Melissa also enjoyed her travel opportunities through her work with Delta Airlines, allowing her to explore the world and create treasured memories with those she loved.

Melissa embraced life with enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit. She loved traveling and was fortunate to visit many remarkable places, including Norway, Florida, Italy, Greece, and London, among others. Whether kayaking on the water, remodeling a room to add her own beautiful touches, trying new recipes, shopping, reading a good book, or gathering with friends for book club and card games, Melissa found joy in both life's grand adventures and its simple pleasures.

She loved music and concerts, was an avid football fan, and treasured every opportunity to cheer on her children from the sidelines throughout the years. Family vacations and trying new experiences together created countless cherished memories. Melissa also had a special place in her heart for her beloved dog, Ruby.

Melissa will be remembered as brave, strong, passionate, generous, and deeply loving. She possessed a wonderful sense of adventure, a spark of sass, and a fierce devotion to those she loved. Thoughtful and compassionate, Melissa often put the needs of others before her own, always worrying about and caring for those around her. Above all, she was immensely proud of her children, whom she raised to be kind, caring, and successful individuals. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching them grow and find happiness with their own loved ones.

Melissa is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 30 years, Jeff Engelken; her children, Brady Engelken (Gabby), Megan Engelken (Scott), and Jayden Engelken (Tessa); her beloved grandson, River Engelken; her parents, Merlin and Gloria Paulson; brother, Scott Paulson (Misti); sister, Julie Hanley (Sam); mother-in-law and father-in-law, Glenn and Verinice Engelken; sister-in-law, Glenda Fischer (Brian); nieces, Cassandra, Mackenzie, Brynn, and Callie; nephews, Dustin, Brent, and Tyler; and many other cherished relatives and dear friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Church of the Resurrection, 1600 11th Ave. SE, Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, Minnesota, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Melissa's beautiful spirit, unwavering love, and adventurous heart will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.