Melvin Pervis, 75, of Middle River, MN died on Wednesday, January 05, 2011 at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Burial will be at Folden Cemetery, rural Newfolden, MN.

Melvin Pervis was born on August 28, 1935 in Bradenton, FL the son of Arthur, Sr. and Essie (Singletary) Pervis. He was baptized at the age of 19 in Palmetto, FL when he joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Melvin attended school at the Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, FL and graduated in 1955.

Following high school Melvin went to work for his father doing plaster and stucco. He then enlisted into service with the United States Navy and served from 1956 until being Honorably Discharged in 1960.

On June 30, 1957 Melvin was united in marriage to Judith Meekma in Zion, IL and they made their home on the Great Lakes Naval Base in Great Lakes, IL. To this union five children were born, Melvin, Jr., Jonathan, Vernon Wayne, Aaron, and Amy. In 1972 they made their home in Florida for two years before moving to Middle River, MN where they have continued to reside.

Melvin enjoyed working as a second generation drywall and plastering contractor. Melvin also enjoyed beekeeping and gardening.

He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Judith of Middle River, MN; five children, Melvin Pervis, Jr. of Lincoln, NE, Jonathan (Angie) Pervis of Creswell, OR, Wayne (Beth) Pervis of Moberly, MO, Aaron Pervis of Middle River, MN and Amy (Russell) Bantin of Marydel, DE; 14 grandchildren, Laura, Melissa, Julie, Janelle, Jennifer, Monica, Esther, Daniel, James, Lillian, Emily, Caleb, Sarah and Anna; brother, Arthur Pervis, Jr.; sisters, Linda (Harvey) Hayden and June (Terry) Turner; sister-in-law, Janie Pervis all of Florida; and many other relatives and friends.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Pervis.

Family condolences may be sent to: johnsonfuneralservice.com