In Memory of Melinda Diane Hummel Kraushaar

Melinda passed away peacefully on April 8th, surrounded by her son and husband along with friends and family. Mindy was a fourth generation Washingtonian, born in Edmonds, WA, August 30th, 1958 to Irvine Hummel and Ruth Fletcher.

Melinda worked constantly to brighten the lives of those she touched. Whether it was silly jokes in an elevator with strangers or her deep personal commitment to family and friends, Mindy made others feel special while never believer herself to be so. Some people will inflate the empathy or goodwill of the deceased in light of their passing, with Melinda it would be impossible to do so, she genuinely would give everything she had if she felt it could help.

Incredibly bright, Melinda was an avid reader. She never said “No” to a book and was always ready with a good reading suggestion. While her family was her driving passion, Melinda is survived by an incredibly large and caring group of clientele. Working for the same company, Neubauer Capital LLC for 37 years, Melinda built a professional life that radiated grace and warmth, reaching far and wide. At a time it was difficult to do business in Seattle without rubbing shoulders with Melinda & Ron.

At her core, Melinda believed in giving and was a lifetime supporter of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. She and Ron hosted annual tables at the Celebrity Waiter’s Luncheon for Leukemia Lymphoma and over the years raised millions of dollars in research money. Whether it was golden yard tools, James Bond, or Husky football themes, she carried her role in these charity events with a light heart, elegance and a serious desire to help those in need.

She loved to play and was a firm believer in the power of a positive attitude. Even during the difficulties of kidney disease, Melinda maintained a strong will and drive to shine. Despite the pain and weakness involved with her illness, she strove to continue working until the day she died. She was truly committed to Family and supporting those she loved, she wanted everyone to feel special but never saw herself as such. As a young girl she tap danced and modeled, but never lost her youthful self and was always ready with a “shuffle, ball, step.”

No description of Melinda would be complete without mention of her skills in the kitchen. Whether it was a formal five course meal, or simple hors d’oeuvres, Mindy prided herself on her cooking skills. She could produce complicated family dishes from memory with a professional flair while keeping up on banter and caring for those she was feeding. Melinda truly was good competition for the title “Hostess with the Mostest”.

She is survived by her Son, Max, and Husband, John, and her Brothers, Bruce and Michael. Her father passed away on April 18th.