Melvin Mel Lloyd Carlson was born May 14, 1910 in Thief River Falls, MN to the late Henry and Boletta (Lappegaard) Carlson. He attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, in 1929. He was employed at J. C. Penney and Owens Mercantile both Thief River Falls.

On May 12, 1932, Mel was united in marriage to Tillie Hagness at Grand Forks, ND. He worked as a brakeman, conductor for the Soo Line Railroad, retiring May 16, 1975 with 28 years of service.

Mel was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN. He also held membership in the Masonic Lodge, Shriners and the Thief River Falls Eagles and Elks. He enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, was a great card player and enjoyed telling stories.

Survived by daughters: Phyllis Green and her husband Don, Detroit Lakes, MN and Mary and her husband, Jim Almendinger, Cass Lake, MN; 7 grandchildren: Paulette (Gary) Sauvageau, Beth (Paul) Moe, Susan (Brad) Johnk, Scott (Judy) Green, John (Kimberly) Green, Josh and Jerry Almendinger; 12 great grandchildren, Chad, Christy, Heidi, John, Adrienne, Aaron, Lynnsey, Logan, Benjamin, Allison, William, and Jake; a great-great grandson, Garret; 4 brothers, Leonard (Marion) Carlson, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Monk Carlson, St. Paul, MN, Marvin (Betty) Carlson, Mt. Dora, FL, Robert Carlson, Ellendale, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by wife, Tillie on May 22, 1993; grandson Shawn; parents; sister, Mildred Johnson and brother, Ellery.