Melanie Kebble Obituary

A celebration of Melanie's life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings. Visitation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, service at 3:00 pm with reception to follow. Private interment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery, Hastings, will take place at a later date.

Melanie Lee Kebble (Kasson), age 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in Hastings, MN. She was a fighter until the very end, known for her strength, humor, and unwavering love for her family.

Melanie was born on March 15, 1942, in Antigo, Wisconsin, to Robert and Alice (Wood) Kasson. She was one of four children and graduated from Antigo High School. After school, she married John Kebble, and together they raised four children: Jodi, John, Kelly, and Samantha. The family eventually settled in Hastings, Minnesota, where Melanie and John owned and operated Centennial Trucking Inc. until John's passing in 1981.

Melanie's strength carried her forward into new chapters. She found success in commercial real estate, traveling across the country, before eventually settling into her greatest passion, art. As a gifted painter, her artwork has found homes across America. As other fine artists before her, Melanie's art will continue to be sought after for years to come.

Melanie enjoyed traveling, gardening, sailing, photography, fishing, tennis, and golf. She cherished more than two decades in her riverfront home in Elk River, MN. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was the matriarch of her family-funny, quirky, lighthearted, and tough as a bull. Her easygoing nature and sharp sense of humor made her a joy to be around, and she had a remarkable ability to keep everything together for her loved ones.

She is survived by her children, John (Cindy) Kebble of Red Lodge, MT, and Samantha (Bill) Herman of Hastings, MN; her brother, Robert Kasson of Land O' Lakes, WI; sister, Janet (Ginny) Martin of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren, Tiffany, Bobby, Kayla, Billy, Heaven, Jacob, Scarlett, Nick, Kyle, Chloe, Madison, and Greta; fourteen great-grandchildren; her husband, Alan Frelich; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, John Kebble; daughters, Kelly Lorentz and Jodi Carlson; grandson, Lucas Carlson; granddaughter, Ivy Kebble; great-grandson, Wyatt O'Connell; and her sister, Judy Helmbrecht of Union, KY.