Melinda Welch-Spinler

Melinda Welch-Spinler, a woman of boundless energy, creativity, and deep connection to the earth, passed away at 2:00pm on May 3rd, 2026, at North Shore Health in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Her passing followed a traumatic brain aneurysm, and she spent her final days surrounded by the community and landscape she called home for over forty years. Details about the Celebration of Life are included below.

Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on May 31, 1959, Melinda was the daughter of Mary Welch Morton and Donald W. Welch. After her father's death in Vietnam when she was 9 years old, her mother remarried Ron Morton who became a father figure to her. She grew up alongside her sibling Lynn, in a household that valued heritage and hard work. From a young age, Melinda’s life was punctuated by music; she was a standout performer, competing in and placing highly in statewide individual music competitions during her high school years.

Her passion for learning led her to Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota where she earned an undergraduate degree in Education and continued on to a masters degree in Experiential Education with a minor in Psychology. It was there that she met the love of her life and lifelong partner, Mark Spinler. Together, they shared a vision for a life lived close to the land, a dream that brought them to the North Shore of Lake Superior in 1984.

Melinda was a pillar of the Grand Marais community. She and Mark ran a bicycle shop in Grand Marais for many years, renting and selling bicycles. She helped organize and find funding for a series of local mountain bike trails. Additionally, she served as a Doula to women both in her community and her family during their pregnancies, and helped usher many babies to the world.

She was a woman of the soil—a dedicated farmer at the local farmers market and a steward of the land at Maple Hill Sugarbush Farm. In 1999, she and Mark began their long-standing tradition of tapping maple trees on their land and on state lands, a testament to their dedication to traditional food production. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture was recognized when they were named the 2025 Cook County Farm Family of the Year.

Her influence extended far beyond her own acreage. A gifted educator, Melinda taught classes through community education, the North House Folk School, and on their own farm. She was passionate about passing on the "old ways," teaching others about gardening, poultry care, butchering, and food preservation. She was also an active participant in the Northwoods Food Project, working to strengthen local food security.

Melinda’s spirit was equally at home on the water and the stage. An accomplished musician, she was a fixture in local old-time and Irish traditional bands, bringing joy to events like the Grand Portage Rendezvous and local town dances. When she wasn't playing music or farming, she was often sailing. After years of sailing on other vessels—including a memorable voyage as far as the Revillagigedo Islands SW of Baja Mexico—she and Mark finally purchased their dream sailboat, Raven.

Guided by the Native American traditions of her grandmother, Melinda lived with a profound respect for the natural world. She was a gifted seamstress and a legendary hostess who loved to serve meals grown and preserved entirely on her farm.

Melinda is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Welch Morton and her Father, Donald W. Welch. She is survived by her husband, Mark Spinler, her Step Father Ron Morton, her sister Lynn Welch-Davis, aunts & uncles, many in-laws, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, and a community of friends and neighbors who were touched by her hospitality and heart.

In honor of her deep connection to the earth, Melinda was laid to rest in a natural green burial in Maple Hill Cemetery on May 5th, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the GoFundMe established to help cover medical and burial expenses: Honoring Melinda Welch-Spinler's Legacy - linked below

memorial service

Celebration of Life

May 9, 2026

Log Cabin at the Community Center 319 W 5th St, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Join us to celebrate and hold the beautiful life of Melinda Welch-Spinler.

1:30 PM: Bring food for potluck; the meal will start around 2:00. Feel free to bring food and enjoy it throughout the afternoon. Label your food if you're bringing something for those with food sensitivities.

3:30 PM (approx): Song and sharing stories, tears and laughter

4:30-7:00 PM (approx): music, singing and dancing in the Log Cabin and more gathering in the community center