Thief River Falls – Melvin Stenberg, 84, Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls.
Melvin Carl Stenberg was born May 10, 1939 to Dugal and Dorothy (Gill) Stenberg on a farm southwest of Devils Lake, ND. He attended school in Penn, ND for the first years. When he was six years old his mother passed away and the family moved into Churches Ferry, ND.
In 1950 they moved to Manvel, ND. His dad worked for the railroad, so they moved a lot in the next few years. They moved to Grygla in 1953.
Melvin farmed for eight years and then went into the National Guard in 1958. He was called for active duty in 1960. He moved into Thief River Falls when he returned. Melvin worked for Owen’s Appliance for three years and three years for Charley’s Tire Shop. In 1969 he started working for the city of Thief River Falls.
Melvin was united in marriage to Eileen Dean on December 9, 1972 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They had one daughter, Shelley. He retired in 1986 with disability.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter, Shelley (Dale) Cloose of Pinewood; three stepchildren, David Freeman, Pelican Rapids, Susan Freeman, Moorhead, and Lori (Jeff) Vigstol, Red Lake Falls; two grandchildren, Mckenna and Taylor; six step grandchildren, Amber, Bryce (Lexie), Mike (Chanda), Jordan, Nick, and Halle (Michael); several step great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley; and many other relatives and friends.
Melvin is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and five brothers.
The service to celebrate Melvin’s life was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating.
Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Military honors were provided by the Ekelund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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