Melody Ann Lund Galchutt

In loving memory of Melody Ann Lund Galchutt

Melody Ann Lund Galchutt, age 68, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025.

Melody Lund was born on September 2, 1957, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the youngest of four children to Bert and Edna Lund. Her family later settled in Hastings, Minnesota, where Melody spent her formative years and graduated from Hastings High School in 1975. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Winona State University in 1979. Melody built a meaningful career as a life insurance underwriter, dedicating over two decades to the profession. She also took a seven-year pause from her career to focus on raising her children. Melody was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a quiet force of compassion.

Melody met her husband, David Galchutt, while attending college, and they married in 1982. She was known for her gentle spirit, her fierce devotion to family, and her lifelong enthusiasm for sports—especially cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves. Melody’s legacy is marked by her steadfast support for progressive causes and her belief in building a more just and inclusive world. She found joy in the pages of mystery novels, reconnecting with family and friends, and playing cards—especially a lively game of Canasta. Whether in everyday moments or from the sidelines, Melody was always the first to offer encouragement, lifting others with her quiet strength and unwavering support.

In 2009 Melody was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a progressive lung disease that has no cure and limited treatments. Melody received the gift of life via a double-lung transplant in December, 2011 at Loyola University Hospital in Chicago. Melody lived every day with an attitude of gratitude and she exuded positivity with everyone she connected with. Melody’s new lungs allowed her to experience countless life milestones like attending her children’s weddings and becoming a grandparent. Raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren were some of the greatest joys of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, David; her children, Ian (Ashley) Galchutt and Logan (Lesley) Galchutt; her grandchildren, Finn and Sylvi; and her siblings, Daryl (Sherry) Lund, Ellie Hein, and Mar (Ron) Johnston and many nieces, nephews and their families, all of whom she loved dearly. Melody was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Edna Lund; her brother-in-law, Dave; her sister-in-law, Dawn; and her nephew, Curt.

A celebration of Melody’s life will be held on Thursday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. All are welcome to attend and honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Planned Parenthood, a cause Melody deeply believed in and supported throughout her life. To honor Melody’s journey and the gift she received, please also consider registering as an organ donor.

Melody’s legacy lives on in the kindness she demonstrated to strangers, her deep devotion to family, and the love she gave to others.

Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.