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Melvin Oja • 1954- 2006 Melvin was born on September 28, 1954, the son of Melvin R. and Lois (Cree) Oja in Minot, ND. He was reared and educated in Minot, Oklahoma and Germany. On December 6, 1972, Melvin enlisted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country, receiving the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on June 17, 1974. He was united in marriage to Darlene Fox on May 27, 1978, at St. John's Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot, where Melvin worked for an oil company, Bacon signs and then worked Civil Service at the Minot Air Force Base, where he retired for medical reasons. Melvin was a jack of all trades, and enjoyed fixing things. He was an avid coin collector, and loved to cook, volunteering many hours cooking for various charities throughout North Dakota. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and granddaughter, AnnaBelle. He was a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, being active with the honor guard for funerals, parades, and other functions. He had a very good memory for people, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Melvin is survived by: Wife, Darlene, Minot; daughters: Jessica Collins, Minot, Hope (Jeremiah) Trana, Minot, and Erica Oja, Minot; one granddaughter, AnnaBelle Collins, Minot; brothers: Larry (Jeanette) Oja, Minot, Jerry (Tracy) Oja, Surrey, Brad (Shelly) Oja, Lawrence, KS; Rod Oja, Minot; sisters: Delight (Lenny) Tamberlo, Boston, MA; Barbara (Steve) Page, Dayton, OH; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin R. and Lois, grandparents, Phoebe and Paul Cree, Julia and Rueben Oja, nephew Melvin J. Oja, cousin, Cristine Evers, uncle Loren "Buzz" Cree, and aunt Donna Cree, and sister-in-law, Frances Oja. Visitation: There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign a register book on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 from noon until 7:00 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Vigil prayer service: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot. Mass Of Christian Burial: Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church, Minot. Burial: A private family burial will take place at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot Officiant: Father Chris B. Walter Music: CD selections Honorary Bearers: Melvin's family and friends To sign the online guest register
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