Melford Mel Burrell, 91, of Thief River Falls, MN died Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 5, 2008 at United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Mary Gilthvedt officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, July 4, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM until time of the funeral on Saturday at the church.

Melford John Burrell was born August 11, 1916 in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of James Alexander and Fannie (Dostal) Burrell. He was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian-Methodist Church in Thief River Falls. Mel attended schools in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1935.

On September 21, 1940, Melford was united in marriage to Eunice Louise Gilthvedt in the parlor of the Lutheran Pastors home in Grygla, MN. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls. On October 20, 1943 Mel entered into service with the United States Army. He served as Sgt at HQ Company at Camp Roberts, CA. Eunice and their daughter, Bonnie joined him in California and following Mels Honorable Discharge on February 10, 1946 the family returned to Thief River Falls.

Mel worked at Popplers Furniture until 1948 when he took a job managing a general electric store and contracting business " Prior Electric. He, with his brother, Harold, eventually purchased the business and they called it Mels Appliance. Later, he worked at Ace Hardware and operated a small appliance repair business in his home.

He enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling to the Holy Land, Switzerland, the Caribean and throughout the United States. Mel became known as the Candy Man because he had a ministry of visiting nursing homes in Thief River Falls bringing mints and chocolates to the residents and staff. Mel was a member of the United Methodist Church since 1949, a member of the Elks, Eagles, the Odd Fellows and a life member of the American Legion Post.

Survivors include 3 children, Bonnie (Skip) Litstrom of Thief River Falls, MN, Ginny (Steve) Anderson of Grand Marais, MN and Steve (Annie) Burrell of Brooklyn Park, MN; 6 grandchildren, Kris Litstrom, Tim Litstrom, Jeremy (Jennifer) Anderson, Nicole Burrell, Chris Burrell and Alexander AJ Burrell; great-grandson, Michael Anderson; sister-in-law, Donna Burrell; brother-in-law, Russell Gilthvedt; and special friend, June Barrow all of Thief River Falls.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Eunice in 2000; parents; 2 brothers; 1 sister; grandson, Cory Anderson.

ORGANIST: Reid Froiland
SPECIAL MUSIC: Rev. Dr. Gary Gilthvedt
SELECTIONS: When Peace Like A River & Precious Lord Take My Hand
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: What A Friend We Have In Jesus and Amazing Grace
CASKETBEARERS: Mels Family & Friends
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793 of Thief River Falls