Dale G. Mellum • 1949 - 2008

Dale G. Mellum, 58, 818 Central Ave. W, Minot, ND, businessman and builder of assisted living and Alzheimer's facilities in Minot, Bismarck, ND, and Scottsbluff, NE, died peacefully Thursday, May 15, 2008, at his home with his family at his side.

Dale Gordon Mellum was born Sept. 5, 1949, in Minot, the son of Gordon and Ellen (Kirby) Mellum. He was raised in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1967. He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks prior to marrying Deborah Cummings Sept. 20, 1969, in Oakes, ND. They lived in Minot briefly before moving to Chicago where he worked for General Electric Credit Corporation. In 1974, they returned to Minot and have lived here since.

Thereafter, Dale became a independent general agent forming Dakota Insurance. Dale recently recalled that he found this a noble profession as he was caring for families and their future security. In the last few months, Dale often verbalized of his love of people and his work was a clear extension of that love. He continued as sole owner of the business until 1999, when he entered into partnership with Gaylin Schmidt, forming GPC Properties. The pair tackled major remodeling and restoration of a building which once housed an implement and dealership and offices, located at Third Street East near Central Ave, in Minot's downtown Renaissance district. The office building is now named the Renaissance Center. Dale and Gaylin's partnership also owned and operated The View, an assisted living structure in Minot, and Maple Views I and II in Bismarck, both of which are Alzheimer's care facilities. Dale was also the sole owner of Property Partners, which owned and managed Emerald Court, an Alzheimer's care facility in Scottsbluff, NE. His entrepreneurial spirit held a sense of vision and creative instinct. He built quality into all that he did and took honest pride in the result of his undertakings.

Dale approached life with a broad sense of humor. Many have remarked on his ability to make people of all persuasions and ages feel worthy and at ease through his true curiosity to hear your story. He educated himself on and appreciated spirited political discussions. He took great pride creating gourmet meals for others. Dale enjoyed driving the city, fine cigar in hand with the music of Sinatra or B.B. King by his side.

He told his family that the most meaningful aspects in his life were his role as a loving husband, proud father of six, and an adoring grandfather. Family was everything he said, and he closely followed the activities of his children and grandchild. He set out to live by the Ten Commandments and The Golden Rule. He was a good friend, giving many the strength they needed.

He was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, the Minot Elks Lodge and the Minot Country Club. He sang with the Change of Pace Singers.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Deborah; children, Paul Mellum, Minot, Amy and Erica Mellum, both St. Paul, MN, Nick Mellum, Edina, MN, and Katie Mellum, Sumter, SC; grandson, Nate Mellum; mother Ellen Mellum, Minot; sister, Kathy (Bill) Maffett, Crescent City, CA; and nephew, Brett Maffett.

He was preceded in death was greeted by his son, Philip, his father, Gordon, and infant twin sister, Gail.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, May 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Little Flower Catholic Church Handbell Fund.

Service Participants
Father Fred Harvey - Celebrant of the Liturgies
Father Paul Cervinski - Concelebrant
Katie Fontaine and Dione Bohl - Readers
Ann Mills and M.J. Doll - Gift Bearers

Music
Processional Hymn: "Amazing Grace"
Offertory Hymn: "Loving and Forgiving"
Communion Hymn: "Lead Me Lord" & "All Are Welcome"
Commendation: "Song of Farewell"
Recessional Hymn: "On Eagle's Wings"
Vocalists, Ricardo McCurley, Dione Bohl, Chris Bieri
Organist, Jeanne Artz

Honorary Bearers: Dale's family and friends

Active Bearers: Gaylin Schmidt, Craig Kondos, Bruce Bibow, Scott Lucas, Terry Kongelf Ron Bieri, Bill Lang, Len Dammel

To sign the online guest register for Dale
To view the online guest register for Dale

To view the outside of Dale's folder
To view the inside of Dale's folder
To view the insert to Dale's folder

Back to Obituaries