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Gilmer "Gil"
Melland • 1920 - 2006 Gilmer was born July 13, 1920 in Fairdale, ND, the son of Wally and Inga (Iverson) Melland. Gilmer finished his education in the Civilian Conservation Corps and the United States Navy. He was in the CCC's during the depression and in 1939 he began working at the Farmers Union Oil Co. in Kenmare, ND. He married Freda Peterson in August of 1941. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II. He was in the Navy for 46 months and 36 of those months were spent aboard the U.S.S Heed. During his time on the U.S.S Heed their squadron participated in nine island invasions. He was awarded numerous citations while serving in the Aleutian Isle and the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Aneta, ND, where he was manager of the Farmers Union Oil Co. for five years. In 1951 he moved to Kenmare where he resumed his employment at the Farmers Union Oil Co. and held that position until June 1, 1982 when he retired. He married Rene DeVore Jones Melland in 1978. Gil was a member of the Fire Department, Country Club, the Lions Club, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all in Kenmare, and he served on the Kenmare City Council. Those Who Shared in His Life: Wife, Rene Melland, Kenmare; son, Don (Loretta) Melland, Kenmare; stepdaughter, Jan Jones, Boulder, CO; stepson, Jay (Cheryl) Jones, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Melissa (Rodney) Godejohn, Minot, Monica (Justin) Clark, Minneapolis, MN, Matthew Melland and his fiancé, Cami Singer, Denver, CO and Marty Melland and his fiancé, Cara Conklin, Grand Forks, ND, Leslie and Ashlie Melland, Fargo, ND, several step-grandchildren; great grandchildren, Ryley, Taylor and Bailey Godejohn, Minot; brother, Walter (Mae) Melland, Grand Forks, ND; sisters, Ilene (Orlin) Schanz and Annie Skytland, all of Langdon, ND; sisters-in-law, Lois Melland, Fairdale, ND and Jane Melland, Northwood, ND; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Gil was preceded in death by his ex wife, Freda Melland; son, Dennis Melland; infant daughter, Linda Melland; his parents, Wally and Inga Melland; brothers, Iver and Bennie Melland, and sister, Gyda Melland Monson Stensland. Memorial Services: Saturday, May 13, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare, ND, and Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 2:00 p.m., at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, Fairdale, ND. There will be no reviewal and friends may sign the register Saturday one hour prior to the service in the church and Tuesday one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial: A private burial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice. Memorial Service: Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare, ND,Saturday, May 13, 2006, 2:00 p.m. Officiant: Rev. Mike Fiske Music: Cindy Ystaas, vocalist, "In The Garden"
and "Amazing Grace" Honorary Bearers: Gil's relatives, long-time friends
and all the employees, staff and their families Flag Presentation: Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Service: Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, Fairdale,
ND, Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 2:00 p.m. Music: Karen Chyle, vocalist, "Amazing Grace"
and "Lord's Prayer" Honorary Bearers: Gil's relatives, long-time friends
and all the employees, staff and their families |