He was born June 11, 1918 to Johan Martin and Anna Marthra Olsen. His mother died when he was eight and Melvin lived with his father until 1929, when he was sent to the Norwegian Lutheran Orphans Home, Twin Valley, MN. In 1933 he enrolled in the Northwest Agricultural School in Crookston, MN, and two years later enlisted in the Navy at age 17. During WWII he was assigned to the Asiatic Fleet serving on the USS Monocacy and the USS Tutuila. From there he was assigned to the US Embassy in Chunking, China, and escaped injury during the bombing of the city by the Japanese. It is thought that Melvin was the last surviving member of the Yangtze River Patrol. Mel's Navy career spanned 20 years, including service during the Korean Conflict on the USS Missouri, retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.
He married Dorothy Lucille Fabini of Duluth on Dec. 6, 1944 in Brenerton, WA.
After the Navy Melvin worked for US Steel in Morgan Park, later for St. Louis County and finally retiring from the City of Duluth. Retirement years were spent fishing and woodworking, and maintained a daily walk. He was an active member of St. Margaret's Mary Church.
He was preceded in death by wife, Dorothy; daughter, Patti Marie; Parents; and 11 siblings.
Melvin is survived by sons, Michael (Maria), Timothy (Yvonne), Daniel (Pat), Jon (Janet), Kelly (Denise), Martin; and daughter, Maureen (Michael) Plaunt.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Solvay Hospice House.
Visitation: 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2015 in Bell Brothers Funeral Home, Duluth. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. at Benedictine Chapel, Monday, March 30, 2015 with visitation 1 hour prior.
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