Melda J. Colwell, 82, of Owatonna, died Monday, August 29, 2011 at Sterling House. She was born April 15, 1929 in Monticello, Minnesota the daughter of Peter and Bengta (Nelson) Person. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1947. In 1951, she graduated from Winona State with a major in Kindergarten and Primary Education with a minor in Art Education. She taught at Superior, Wisconsin. She married Raymond Colwell on June 22, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monticello. She held teaching positions in San Angelo, Texas and at Territorial Schools of Alaska, Ladd AFB of Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1955, they moved to Owatonna. She taught at Roosevelt School and later Central Jr. High then North Jr. High School. She enjoyed teaching many preschool art classes, adult education classes, summer school enrichment classes, art for migrant education as well as substituting. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Owatonna and Hannah Altar Guild, Owatonna Women''s Club, and Retired Art Educators of Minnesota. Melda was an avid gardener and bird watcher. She is survived by her two sons, Peter (and Stephanie) Colwell of Minneapolis, and Andrew Colwell of Medford; five grandchildren, Christopher, Cassandra, Tessa, Tia, and Tate; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Davis and Elizabeth Chamberlin of Austin; several cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 59 years, Raymond and sister, Norma Anderson. Visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM . Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Homestead Hospice House or Trinity Lutheran Church. A special thanks to Ruth Vizina with Homestead Hospice House and the staff at Sterling House. Visitation: 09/01/2011 13:00 09/01/2011 14:00 Service: 09/01/2011 14:00