Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MELGAARD, Gloria A.
MELGAARD, Gloria A. (Ontonagon, MI, Sept. 30, 1929--Dubuque, IA, Apr. 19, 2012). The daughter of Dan and Mabel (Scharf) Weir, Gloria grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1947. She also graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1951 from the College of Dentistry with a degree in dental hygiene. She graduated from CLARKE COLLEGE in 1978, magna cum laude, with a degree in art history. (1)
Gloria married doctor Robert Thor MELGAARD in Helena, Montana on December 6, 1952. They spent two years in Philadelphia before making Dubuque their home. (2)
Gloria volunteered for many organizations, including the DUBUQUE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION (past president from 1961 to 1963), VNA Charity Ball, Dubuque County Medical Auxiliary, the Dubuque and Jackson County Mental Health Center and Friendship Force. In 1988 she was elected to the board of directors of the DUBUQUE COUNTY FINE ARTS SOCIETY. (3) In the same year she served as president of Friendship Force of Dubuque. (4)
Along with raising her family and volunteering for many organizations, Gloria was a gourmet cook and loved to entertain family and friends. She traveled extensively with her husband and family both in the states and abroad. In 1986 she led a Friendship Force group to Poland. (5) She promoted women's rights through her actions and artwork.
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Source:
1. Obituary. Telegraph Herald, Apr. 22, 2012
2. Ibid.
3. "People of Note," Telegraph Herald, June 8, 1988, p. 22
4. "Civic Review," Telegraph Herald, February 22, 1988, p. 10
5. "Artists," Telegraph Herald, March 20, 1986, p. 14