Melissa Jirik

Melissa June Jirik, 88, of Addison, IL passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at her daughter's home in Minnesota. Melissa was born on June 9, 1936 in Berwyn, IL to George Exdell of Kapi, Greece and Ettie (Skopp) Exdell of Chicago, IL. Melissa grew up in Brookfield, IL with her parents, older sister Anthea and younger brother John, cherishing the role of big sister.

Melissa's high school years at Riverside Brookfield High School were full of friends, activity and fun. She participated in many groups and held offices in several. As a freshman, she caught the eye of senior Ron Jirik. Melissa (and her mother) took some convincing but eventually Ron's persistence paid off and they dated throughout her high school years.

After being given the advice, "You better grab her before someone else does!" Ron proposed and the two married on February 22, 1955. Melissa followed Ron to Las Cruces, NM, where he was stationed with the Army. It was here that they had their first son Stephen Charles in 1956. Once Ron was honorably discharged, the family returned to the Chicago area and moved in with Melissa's parents while searching for a home of their own. In 1958, Scott was born and in 1960, they moved into their newly built home in Addison, IL, where they would begin the rest of their lives raising their family. Although the home was compact, it boasted an unusually large backyard which became the site of many friends and family gatherings over the next 64+ years.

In 1965, Ron and Melissa began their "second family" when Kristin Rose was born, followed in 1967 by Michael Paul. The family was complete with the addition of Susie, a little black mutt, followed by a Siberian Husky Tasha and after a long hiatus, Miss Kitty, who was generally agreed to be the best loved kitty ever.

Melissa and her sister Anthea raised their young families together with regular trips back and forth between their homes in Crystal Lake and Addison. Special memories were also made at their mother's farm in Lake Village, IN, the site of many adventures for the two families.

Although Melissa did not bring a knowledge of cooking to her marriage, she learned quickly to love this task. Sharing food became a way for her to express her love, a trait she inherited from her mother and passed on to her children.

Melissa desired more than anything to provide a loving environment for her children and to guide them well. She loved a good discussion and had a thoughtful and intellectual mind with strong convictions and courage. Although as an adult she struggled with illness, the growth of her faith in Jesus Christ gave her strength and the peace in her heart that carried her throughout her life.

Melissa was highly sensitive to the needs of others and invariably wanted to help make things better. She cast the net of her love (and her food!) far and wide. She will be remembered for the love she shared with all she met and the way she embraced others in her circle of care. It was important to her that no one was left out!

Melissa is survived by her beloved children Steve of Rockton, IL, Scott of Poway, CA, Kristin Sorenson (Eric) of Rochester, MN and Michael (Kristie) of Normal, IL; her sister Anthea Estergard of Crystal Lake, IL, and her brother John (Judy) Exdell of Manhattan, KS. One of Melissa's greatest joys was her role as Grandma to her grandchildren from coast to coast- Katherine Jirik, Thomas Sorenson, Rachel Barwegen (Abe), David Sorenson (Ella), Shannon Jirik, Diana Sorenson-Lang (Jordan), Quin Jirik, E Sorenson, Caleb Jirik (Sara), Colin Jirik, Ian Jirik and Maria Jirik and her great-grandchildren Noel and Esther Barwegen.

Burial will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Forest Park, IL. To honor both Melissa and Ron, who passed on October 7, 2024, we can think of no better way than a celebration in the backyard of their Addison home. Please join us on August 16, 2025 to honor their memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lombard Bible Church (Lombard, IL).