Melbrey Koland, 86, died on Sunday, July 24, 2005 at the Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Virgil Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a 6:00 P.M. prayer service on Wednesday evening and one hour prior to services at the Funeral Home on Thursday.

Melbrey Viola Arvesen was born on January 29, 1919 in Donaldson, MN, the daughter of Arve and Esther (Syrtvedt) Arvesen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Donaldson. Melbery attended school in Stephen, MN, graduating from Stephen High School. Following graduation she attended Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, ND for two years, graduating with a degree in Business.

Melbrey was a great cook. She loved to bake and read and spend time with her family and friends.

Melbrey was united in marriage on May 29, 1945 to Clarence Koland. The couple lived in Berkley, CA for a short time before moving to Bottineau, ND. She returned to Strandquist to care for her mother. Later the couple moved to Karlstad and she worked at Engen Drug. Melbrey and Clarence moved to Thief River Falls in 1984. Clarence died on September 25, 2004. Melbrey has lived the last two years at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls for the past two years.

Melbrey is survived by two sons: Wayne (Susie) of Thief River Falls, MN and Curtis (Sandy) of Wasilla, Alaska; four grandchildren: Sarah (Joe) Sabol of Thief River Falls, MN, Shelley (John) Cervantes of Thief River Falls, MN, Nathan Koland of Thief River Falls, MN, and Charity Koland (fiance, Wade Bailey) of Wasilla, Alaska; three step grandchildren: Lorie (Steven) Faris, Scott (Ruth) Syverson and Brent Syverson; six great grandchildren: Nick, Carley, and Josie Cervantes, Cayley and Blaine Sabol, and Kimberlee Bailey; step great grandchildren: Robyn, Erika, and Breanna Faris, and Kristina and Michael Syverson; one brother, Ruben Arvesen of Thief River Falls, MN; sister-in-law, Helen Arvesen of Crookston, MN; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents; six brothers: Einar, Loring, Hans, Carl, Arnold and Godfred; and one sister, Edna