Melissa Jo Hellman

Melissa was born in Bismarck, ND on August 2, 1973 to Harold and Dolores Thompson. She grew up on the family farm near Kintyre North Dakota. She was very active in 4-H with sewing projects and showing a variety of farm animals. She attended and graduated from Steele High school and participated in basketball, cheerleading, band and choir. Then went onto the University of Mary and graduated with accounting and business management. While in college, she was senior class vice president as well as a member of the band and pep band as a percussionist. Following college, she worked at Aetna for 4 years before joining National Information Solutions Cooperative. She worked at NISC for more than 14 years and was currently serving as the Team Lead of Human Resources . On October 21, 2000 Melissa married her best friend, Russ Hellman. In the following years, they welcome their daughter Hannah and son Kendall. Melissa lived for her family and enjoyed many activities with them, including softball, volleyball, and camping. Melissa was happiest when spending time with family and friends. She also loved to travel and recently had the opportunity to enjoy many memorable family trips together to various destinations. Melissa was a hard-working, dedicated, caring person, and enjoyed working with people greatly. Melissa had a wonderful personality and a great gift to make everyone she feel special. Her smile could light up the darkest of rooms. Melissa also loves sports. Whether it was cheering on her family or her beloved Dallas Cowboys, Melissa found great joy in a little healthy competition. Most importantly, Melissa was a strong Catholic woman whose faith never faltered through her four year battle. She embodied the phrase “Fight like a girl” and approached each and every challenge head on. Melissa lived her life by the Word and she showed her faith by serving others and her involvement and dedication to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit parish.