Jerean Melius, 66, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024 at the Sanford Health Care Center in Chamberlain, SD.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 11:00AM at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow at a later date.

Jerean was born October 15, 1958 in Winner, South Dakota, to Phyllis (Larsen)and Delbert Paulson. She was the oldest daughter of eight children, having four brothers: Jerry, James, Jeff, and Joe, and three sisters: Jana, Judy, and Terri.

Jerean grew up with her siblings on several farms and later moved into Winner when they lost their family business. She helped with milking 46 cows and had many enjoyable times with her siblings, doing things that if the kids nowadays would do, their parents would have heart attacks.  One of those things was, they would hang by their feet with a rope and swing off the hay mound to see who could swing the longest. She also loved to help her mother Phyllis in the kitchen and getting their house ready for Easter. They prepared four boxes of fresh baked bread dough the morning of Easter in the shapes of homemade long johns for all the family that came.

Growing up she attended Eden Country School for elementary and Ideal Country School, then moved to Winner and attended Winner High School. Graduating in 1977. In 1976 Jerean was blessed with her first son Jason Dean Paulson whom she adored, and it was just the two of them for many years. With the help from her mom and dad they made a lot of cherished memories growing together. After graduation Jerean worked in nursing homes in Winner until Jerean met her husband Miles Lyle Melius in 1980. Jerean and Jason moved to Ipswich with Miles shortly after and lived there 3 years working in the nursing home in Ipswich as a CNA. They then moved back to the Winner Area in 1986. Jerean started college in 1991 at Sinte Gleska University where she received her Bachelor's of Elementary Ed with a Preschool Endorsement in 1995.

Jerean and Miles were joined in marriage August 16th 1986 on a 107 degree day. The two of them were blessed with 3 children their son Miles Allen Melius in 1989, he was her littlest peanut, they had many fun times together, some of her favorite memories were the BB gun/swing-set story, and Miles Allen taking his sister across the road with his little boat and sinking it. Jerean and Miles Lyle then had a miscarriage in 1993, which was very devastating. In 1994 they had their oldest daughter Heather Jean Melius, whom Jerean was very proud of and loved to dress up even if she didn't like to keep the outfits on. Jereans favorite memories with Heather was doing crafts, cooking, and watching her ride her first pink bike with the tassels and horn. Cheryl Renae Melius then came in 2000, with a difficult and scary beginning with her heart but has become a wonderful daughter whom she was very proud of. Jereans favorite memories with Cheryl were their many trips and singing in the car. Jerean loved her trips with her kids whether that was to wrestling meets or late night trips to Walmart with all the shenanigans those trips entailed. Jereans 4 children, 2 daughter in laws, 12 grandchildren, 2 grandson in laws and 1 granddaughter in law and 6 great grandchildren were her pride and joys. She was always their biggest supporter in everything they did. She loved her family and was always willing to take on extra kids in her life whether that be nieces and nephews or friends of her children. Jerean loved a good laugh and prank. She also had a look that you knew exactly what she was thinking. She had the biggest heart and would help anyone before thinking about herself. She loved nights of playing cards, spoons, pitch, marbles, Nintendo 64, putting together puzzles, and cooking for anyone and everyone that came through the door. She loved watching her game shows, cooking and baking shows, and reality shows like Survivor and Big Brother. She also loved watching her soap operas. The last two weeks she had received many calls, texts, and was able to get together with a lot of family and friends from all over to express how much she loved them all and tell a lot of wonderful stories of her and their time together.

Jerean is survived by her husband Miles Melius; four children: Jason (Stacia) Paulson of Colome, SD; Miles (Tori) Melius of Colome, SD; Heather Melius of Colome, SD; Cheryl Melius of Winner, SD; and grandchildren Brittany (Austin)Gillum, Germany; Dominic (Shanda) Paulson, Sioux Falls; Chastity (Josh) Bobeldyke, Huron; Paige, Devon, Jesse, Isabella Paulson, Colome; Nathan Melius, Colome; Hazel, Brynlee, Trigger, Rowan Melius, Winner; and great-grandchildren Abriel, Dahlia, Hudson, Everly, and Orin. She is also survived by her mother in law Yvonne Melius, Cresbard, siblings: Jerry(Norma)Paulson, James (Lori)Paulson, Jeff(Sherry)Paulson, Joe (Amy)Paulson, Jana Ames(Joel), Judy(Merle)Kubal, and Terri Contreras. In laws: Shelley(Chuck)Simon, Kary(Pat)Bowar, Owen(Shellie)Melius, Phillip(Stephanie)Melius Aunts: Sena Lauritsen and Mary (Jerry)Fisher, and many nieces and nephews.

Jerean was preceded in death by her father, Delbert Paulson, mother, Phyllis Paulson, Father in law, Lyle Melius, and great-grandson, Colton Bobeldyke, Aunts Beverly, Pat, and Evelyn.