Melissa Ploetz

In loving memory of Melissa Ploetz, a woman whose vibrant spirit and loving heart touched the lives of all who knew her. She passed away on October 4, 2024 at the age of 49. On the sixth day of the 6th month of 1975, a tiny dynamo, weighing in at 6 lbs 6 oz, named Melissa Lynn Ploetz came into the world. She joined her Dad Wendell, Mom Dixie, Brother Jeremy, and Sister Darla. 

Melissa loved driving the family pulling tractor. She was very competitive which led her to winning the tractor pull at the Olmsted County Fair. Later in life, she put the driving aside and became the #1 fan of her brother, Jeremy and nephew Jarod.

Following her passion for beauty and style, Melissa pursued a career in cosmetology, eventually opening her own salon, "Shear Class," in Chatfield, where she shared her talent and creativity with her loyal clients. But it was in the embrace of her family, friends, the music of country legend George Strait, and her horses that Melissa found her truest happiness. She was a member of American Junior Quarter Horse Association, competing nationwide. Melissa qualified for the World Quarterhorse Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Quarterhorse Congress in Ohio.

Melissa was fiercely independent. She would conquer anything she put her mind to. Partially because she didn’t want to wait for any help. Her stubbornness compelled her to take action; just like the time when she took a wall down in her townhome and started remodeling before she could wait for her brother to arrive. 

Tragically, in 2009, Melissa faced a life-altering event when she suffered a traumatic brain injury, a battle that she valiantly fought with courage and grace. Despite the challenges she faced, Melissa's unwavering spirit continued to shine through, a testament to her strength and resilience. She was often heard telling caregivers, "I am strong. I am a Ploetz."

As we honor her life and legacy, let us remember Melissa for her beautiful smiles, her deep love for horses, dogs, and cats, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

Melissa is survived by her brother, Jeremy Ploetz of Utica; sister, Darla (Scott) Busian of St. Charles; nephews, Jarod (Stephanie) Ploetz of Utica, Chad (Carla) Busian of Stewartville, Chase (Allison) Busian of Rochester; great nieces and nephews, Easton, Elliot, Jerrick, Hadelie, Emma, and Sophie Ann; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

She is preceded in death by her father, Wendell Ploetz; her mother, Dixie Duellman; grandparents, Kermit and Margaret Ploetz, Darryl and Luella Horsman; great-grandma, Mildred Holets; uncles, Kip and Bruce Ploetz; and aunt, Pat Hanson. 

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MN from 10am to 12pm. Funeral services will begin at 12pm. 

Memorials are preferred to Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance.