Melvin C. Nelson • 1912 - 2004

Melvin C. Nelson, 92, Minot, formerly of Ryder, died Monday, December 20, 2004, in his home.

Melvin was born March 14, 1912, in rural Norma, ND, the son of Jens C. and Johanna ( Mattern ) Nelson. He was the second born of seven children. He attended in school a one-room country school house through the eighth grade.

On July 23, 1933, Melvin married Myrtle Marie Peterson at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare, ND, following a three-year courtship. They lived on a farm in the Kenmare area the first five years. He also worked in a coal mine receiving his pay in coal. In 1935, they moved to and farmed the Charlie Jensen farm. In 1938 the family moved into Kenmare, where Mel worked as an attendant, mechanic assistant and trucker for Farmer's Union Oil Company. In 1942 they moved to Ryder where he became manager of the Ryder Farmer's Union Oil and his wife, Myrtle was bookkeeper.

Mel retired on June 1, 1975, after 33 years of service to the Ryder Farmer's Union Oil Company. Mel also had a furnace company called Mel's Furnace Service, where he was on call 24 hours a day.
Mel and Myrtle were the proud parents of two daughters, Claudette, born in December of 1937, and Penny, born in August of 1953.

Mel was a loving and caring husband, who cared for his wife who had Parkinson's disease for 13 years at home. He was one of the most loving and caring men you would ever meet. He was always willing to help and was concerned about others. Mel absolutely loved kids. Even at Brentmoor, if kids were around he would dig into his pockets and give them change. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He had a sense of fun, as he would like to joke around and laugh. He was always teasing the gals at Brentmoor. His smile always brightened ones day.
Mel enjoyed traveling, fishing, family, grandchildren, woodworking, working on hobbies, and dancing the waltz and polka. He would even dance with the gals at Brentmoor. He grew up working with horses and he really had a way with them. He could handle them when others couldn't, he could even train them to do tricks.

Mel was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Ryder, and was on the church board, and a former member of Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare. Mel and Myrtle were members of the Belles and Beaux Square Dance Club. He served many years on the Ryder park board, spending many hours keeping the flowers and trees in top shape.

Those who shared in his life: daughters, Claudette Marie (Glen W.) Brandt, Ryder, and Penny Melneyce (Steven J.) McCormack, Des Lacs, ND; seven grandchildren, Jill Brandt, Dwayne (Lynda) Brandt, Dean (Debbie) Brandt, Jan (Tim) Stordahl, Daryl (Doreen) Brandt, Jesse (Cheryl) McCormack, and Melanie McCormack, six great-grandchildren, Jolae, Emily, Kati, Amy, Dylan, and Dallas; sister, Agnes Mellon; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Livesay and Bertha Moffat; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle; one infant grandson; parents; brothers, Floyd, Richard, and infant brother Lyle; sisters, Erma and Maffie.

Funeral: Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Ryder

Visitation: Wednesday, December 22, 2004 from noon -7:00 p.m. at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Burial: 3:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Officiant: Rev. Charles Galloway

Music: Processional Hymn, "Come All Ye Faithful" #45
David and Helen McCormack to offer:
"The Lords Prayer"
"I Can Only Imagine"
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
Congregational Hymn, "Peace Like A River" #346
Recessional Hymn, "On Eagles Wings" #779
Debbie Peterson, organist

Honorary Bearers: Melvin's family and friends

Active Bearers: Melvin's Grandsons
Dwayne Brandt, Jesse McCormack, Dean Brandt, Harold Neukom, Daryl Brandt, Merle Dreher

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