Frank T Melby

Franklin “Frank” T. Melby, 83, a resident of rural Underwood, died Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.

Frank was born on January 30, 1935 in rural Ashby to George and Marie (Nelson) Melby. He attended school at Ashby, graduating in 1953.

On April 14, 1957, Frank and Loraine Swenson were married at Grue Lutheran Church near Ashby. They moved to Minneapolis where Frank worked for Bachman’s Nursery, where he got his love for plants and trees. He then worked for George F. Cook Construction Company as a carpenter and later became Construction Superintendent, retiring in 1995.

Frank and Loraine moved to rural Underwood in 1992. He was a member of Tordenskjold Church, Lake Region Pioneer Thresherman’s club (where his father was one of the founders), Uninvited car club and Carpenters and Joiners Union.

Frank had a strong faith and love of the Lord. He loved his wife and family, restoring Ford tractors and his dad’s Ford truck “George”, his pets, past and presently, his little Lena. He also had a love of jelly beans, where his tin was usually running low.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Marie Melby; sister, Vivian LaFavor; brothers-in-law, Bob LaFavor, Russ Matchinsky and Dale Ackerman.

Frank is survived by his wife Loraine; children, Susan (Jerry) Hanstad of Dalton, Janice (Curt) Ebner of Elk River, Larry Melby of Underwood; grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Keyser of Elk River, Dustin Hanstad of Dalton, Danny (Miranda) Ebner of Minneapolis and Dorie (Dan) Martinson of Ashby; great-grandchildren Hunter, Gunner and Rylie Hanstad, Colton and baby to be born in January Martinson, and Cecilia Ebner. His siblings, Kathy Ackerman, Glen (Arlene) Melby, Ruthie Matchinsky and Paul (Margie) Melby and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to Tordenskjold Church, Gideons International, Lake Region Threshermans’s Association or donor’s choice.

Visitation: 5-7pm Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at the funeral home with a prayer service at 6:30 and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2pm Thursday, August 30, 2018, at Tordenskjold Lutheran Church rural Underwood
Clergy: Rev. Mark Johnson and Pastor Dan Hurner
Interment: Tordenskjold Cemetery
Arrangements: by Olson Funeral Home Fergus Falls
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com