Melvin Melin, 87, died Thursday, August 5, 2010 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 9, 2010 at Black River Lutheran Church, rural Red Lake Falls, MN with Rev. Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will follow at Black River Lutheran Church Cemetery. Military honors will be provided.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Melvin Leonard Melin was born on July 15, 1923 the son of Henry and Hattie (Larson) Melin, at home on the Melin family farm, in what is now Polk Centre Township of Pennington County, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Black River Lutheran Church. Melvin attended District 99 Country School and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN.

He entered into service with the United States Army and served with the Army of occupation in Japan. Melvin was proud of his service with the Army.

On March 12, 1950, Melvin was united in marriage to Rayma Charlotte Hillmon at the Methodist Church in International Falls, MN. The couple made their home on the family farm in Polk Centre Township and continued to farm throughout the years. Melvin retired in 1986 and then continued to work part time for various farmers in the area.

He was a life member of Black River Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. Melvin served 39 years on the Farmers Union Oil Board of Directors; was clerk of the Polk Centre Township Board; served on the St. Hilaire Creamery Board; was a member of the American Legion and VFW Posts.

Melvin and Rayma were foster parents to many children throughout the years. Melvin enjoyed life on the farm, visiting with his neighbors and friends, playing cards, gardening, and working in the yard.

Melvin is survived by children, David Melin, West Fargo, ND and John Albrecht, Apple Valley, MN; 5 grandchildren, Kerry, Melissa, Andrew, Kristel and Kimberly; sister, Marion DeBoer, Mentor, MN; sisters-in-law, JoEllen Melin and Dorothy Witzel; brother-in-law, George Hermon; several great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Rayma on July 21, 2009; parents; sister, Evelyn; and brothers, Donald and Vern.

Condolences may be sent to Melvins family at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Special Music: Greg Dally & Diane Johnson
Selections: Go Rest High On That Mountain & In The Garden
Congregational Hymns: Precious Lord Take My Hand & Just A Closer Walk With Thee