Melvin Grandstrand, 88, died on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at MeritCare Northwest Campus in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Viking, MN with Reverend Rena Peterson officiating. Burial will be at Viking Cemetery, Viking.

Visitation will be 5 " 8 PM, Friday, January 25, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Saturday.

Melvin Albert Grandstrand was born September 8, 1919 to Albert and Edith (Blomquist) Grandstrand in Stephen, MN on his family farm. Melvin was the oldest of 10 children. He attended the Happy Corner Country School rural Stephen. He was baptized at St. Petri Lutheran Church and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church, rural Stephen.

Melvin was united in marriage to Irene Eleanore Lindstrom on December 31, 1940 at the Mission Covenant Parsonage in Viking by Pastor Samuel T. Berge. They made their home in Augsburg Township, Marshall County until 1948 when they moved to a farm near Viking.

He was a lover of horses and often attended horse shows and rodeos. He was a farmer by trade, raising beef, grain, and dairy. He also did a lot of grain farming. He and his family picked many rocks. Melvin was always on a mission to beat the beavers.

He was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church in Viking, serving in many capacities including deacon and trustee for 45 years, which was always a passion for him. He also served on the Viking School Board, the Thief River Creamery Coop Board, the Viking Creamery, and the Farmers Coop in Viking.

Melvin was often seen driving around the back roads checking out the fields and nature. He loved visiting with neighbors. He never missed a family event. He loved the sales barn and auction sales.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene Grandstrand, Viking, MN, one daughter Barbara (Ward) Sinn, Thief River Falls, MN, two sons, Rodney (Carolyn), Maple Plain, MN, Keith, Coon Rapids, MN, 12 grandchildren, Dean (Patti) Grandstrand, Paynesville, MN, Earl (Lynne Schwartz), Viking, MN, Corey (Tracy) Grandstrand, Stillwater, MN, Bradley (Tammy) Grandstrand, Dayton, MN, Brian (Patty) Grandstrand, Chaska, MN, Jeremy Grandstrand (Brenda Holte), Fargo, ND, Jason Grandstrand, Grygla, MN, Angela (Jim) Hoglo, Thief River Falls, MN, Valerie (Gary) Enfield, Cook, MN, Stacey (John) Berberich, Brooks, MN, Brenda (Jim) Thieschafer, Waite Park, MN, Cheri (Wayne) Morris, North Richland Hills, TX, 27 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 3 brothers, Delbert (LouAnn) Grandstrand, Sunberg, MN, Dale (Beth) Grandstrand, Karlstad, MN, Carl (Mary Jane) Grandstrand, Albert Lea, MN, 2 sisters, Bernice Hultgren, Kennedy, MN, Grace Frei, Stephen, MN. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his son Roy Grandstrand, his parents, 3 brothers, Robert, Paul, Gordon, and 1 sister Edna Nagle.

ORGANIST: Gloria Ness
SOLOIST: Wendy Blazejewski
SELECTIONS:
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Softly and Tenderly, I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry
CASKETBEARERS: Grandsons Dean Grandstrand, Earl Grandstrand, Corey Grandstrand, Bradley Grandstrand, Brian Grandstrand, Jeremy Grandstrand, Jason Grandstrand
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Angela Hoglo, Valerie Enfield, Stacey Berberich, Brenda Thieschafer, Cheri Morris