Melanie Jean Hinman

Melanie Jean Hinman, 66, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on November 13, 2018 at home after a 27 year history of kidney cancer. She was a cancer survivor many times, and a role model for others on how to handle cancer with courage and strength.

Family and friends may gather at Center Grove Church, 3140 Brunskill Rd. on Friday, November 23, 2018 after 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the church cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Melanie was born on November 8, 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Lynn and Harriett (Herron) Hinman.  She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1970. During high school she was involved in Choir, Future Teachers of America and the National Honor Society. She attended the University of Dubuque and graduated in 1974 with a B.A. Degree in English and Teaching.

She taught in the Savanna, IL school system for one year, returning to Dubuque in 1976. She then went to work for Finley Hospital starting in the business office and later as a switchboard operator. She retired from Finley in 2016.

Melanie was a talented pianist and taught private lessons throughout the years. She enjoyed shopping trips and lunches with friends and family especially with her adored niece Hannah Wallace, who spent many Sunday afternoons with her.

She is survived by a brother Jerry Hinman and a sister Eleanor (Scott) Wallace; sister-in-law Anne Chesterman; nieces Barb (Kevin) Kehl, Jane (Vikram Chinchankar) Chesterman, Beth (Will Sands) Chesterman, Lynn (Jessie) Nelson, Hannah (Nick Konzen) Wallace, and one nephew Tyler (Mai Le) Wallace. Seven great nieces and nephews, Andrew, Susan, William, Evelyn, Mila, Noah, Stella and baby Sands due in February.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and two brothers Robert Chesterman and Herron Hinman.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity, Center Grove Church or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Grand River Medical Center especially, Dr. Herman and Dr. Salas for the many years of great care. Also a special thank you to her sister Nor and friends Debbie, Patty, Jeri and LuAnn.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.