Melissa R. Jindra, age 55 passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at UW Hospital in Madison.  She was born on December 29, 1969 in Dodgeville, WI.  Melissa grew up in Medford, WI and Mineral Point, WI.  She had worked for Ellis Manufacturing in Verona for many 14 years until working as a bartender and bar manager at Sportsman's Bar in New Glarus for 10 years until her health declined.  Melissa met her longtime companion and caregiver Art Thompson in 2009.  They enjoyed many trips across the U.S.A including Yellowstone and the Appalachian Mountains as well as eight trips to Jamaica.

Melissa is survived by her husband Art Thompson, sons Dustin (Becky Zuber) Jindra and Jason Jindra, grandchildren Libby Rae Jindra and Thalia Grace Jindra.  She is further survived by her brothers Todd (Priya Nataraj) Halverson and Mike Halverson.

She was preceded in death by her mother Jean McKernan and a brother Dennis Halverson.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI.

A celebration of Melissa's life will follow at Ohana Kitchen (formerly Toffler's), 200 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, WI from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026.