Melba Neuman

Melba Louise Neuman, 91, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at the Pioneer Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, where she resided for the last two years.  She was born the fourth of nine children to Frank and Ada (Kelsey) Richards on October 26, 1918, in Granville, North Dakota, where she lived, was baptized and attended school. After attending Minot State Teachers College in Minot, ND, she received a teaching certificate and taught school for two years. Melba met Harold Neuman on a blind date and they were married on November 2, 1940, in the Lutheran Church rectory in Towner, North Dakota. She moved to Fergus Falls after her teaching year was completed and lived there for seventy years. Over the years Melba was very busy in and around the community with her job and volunteer efforts. She worked at Eisenhower School, Pioneer Home, and Dabbie’s Stationary. She was an energetic member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and participated in various committees and functions like Ladies Aid, Sunday school teacher, outreach, visitation, and kitchen duties. Melba and Harold kept busy in community activities, family events and traveling with friends. Some of the notable things were various dancing groups, preparing and participating on parade floats, camping outings, meals-on-wheels delivery, YMCA, senior fellowship, visiting shut-ins, Texas vacationing, and quiet times at Otter Tail Lake with a campfire. Melba was a dear kind friend, and helpful to anyone who needed her. She had lots of spunk and a beautiful smile. She loved to talk about her family and always had pictures to show. A very large number of family and friends will miss this wonderful, caring lady. Preceding her in death were her parents; three sisters, Kathleen Wells, Elaine Booth, and Dorothy Myhre; and two brothers, Bill & Jim Richards. Melba is survived by her husband, Harold; three sons: Ron (Connie Lunde) of Rochester, MN, Gary (Bonnie Hasbargen) of Eustis, FL, and Paul (Cathy Benson) of Fergus Falls; nine grandchildren: Jana (Steve Moeller), Suzy (Chad Full), Richard (Lisa), Robyn (Todd Hatch), Steven (Lisa), Amy (Tim Underhill), Angie (Jason Holm), Megan (Mark Neubauer), and Chris Clark (Lindsey Oscarson);  22 great-grandchildren; and three siblings:  Ted, Ken, and Janet. Blessed be the memory of Melba Neuman. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with Reverend Paul Nelson officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com