Nola Annette Mellstrom

Nola Mellstrom, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at her home in Sun City, Arizona. Nola (Hildahl) was born and raised in Roseau, Minnesota.

Nola graduated from the Minneapolis General Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. A dedicated nurse by profession, Nola spent her career caring for others with compassion and grace. Her commitment to healing and helping left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Nola and Erling started dating in the Twin Cities and were married in 1958. They lived in White Bear Lake, where they raised three boys. When the boys were small, they were able to purchase property in Wisconsin and build a cabin where they spent many joy-filled summers at “The Lake”.

Nola had a deep love for travel, finding joy and wonder in exploring new places and cultures. Her adventurous spirit and vivid storytelling inspired those around her to embrace life’s journey with curiosity and courage.

A devout Christian, her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Nola applied her passions for caring and the Holy Spirit as a director of Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, a holy place where people experience hospitality and renew their calling in the world.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Erling Jonas Mellstrom, and is survived by her three sons: David Mellstrom, Jeffrey (Cecilia Guiar) Mellstrom and Steven (Susan) Mellstrom, and four grandchildren (Brian, Aaron, Emily, Ryan) who were the light of her life.

She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Nola’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at American Lutheran Church of Sun City, 17200 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City AZ 85373.

The service will also be live streamed and available for viewing online at https://alcsuncity.org/memorial-services/ .

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.