Ira Mjelde, Alhambra, CA, formerly of Erskine, MN, died Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Atherton Baptist Home in Alhambra.

Ira Theodore Mjelde was born on February 21st, 1930, to Norman and Mary (Sandem) Mjelde in rural Beltrami, MN. Ira attended grade school in rural Beltrami and was baptized and confirmed at Scandia Lutheran Church. He attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWA) in Crookston, MN, graduating in 1947. While a student at NWA, Ira met his future wife, Marjorie Anne Ophus of Erskine, MN.

Ira and Marjorie were married on December 31st, 1948, in rural Erskine, MN. They initially farmed in rural Beltrami, MN, then spent a short time living near San Francisco, CA, where Ira worked at the Kellogg's factory making Corn Flakes. They returned to Moorhead, MN, where Ira began a career in the construction business, working for Twin City Construction. Ira later obtained his General Contractors License and subsequently owned and operated Quality Builders and Realty of Moorhead, building many homes and apartment buildings in the Fargo/Moorhead area. It was one of Ira's custom built homes that was moved, remodeled, and gifted to a refugee family when "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" came to the area in 2010. Ira and Marjorie also owned and operated a department store in Dilworth, MN. Longing to farm again, in 1973 Ira moved his family to Erskine where they lived and farmed for ten years. In 1983, Ira and Marjorie moved to Sierra Madre, CA, where Ira obtained his California General Contractors License and continued to work in the construction field. During this time, Marjorie obtained her real estate license, and together they collaborated to serve their clients' needs. Upon their retirement in 1998, Ira and Marjorie travelled for two years, before returning to rural Erskine. There they enjoyed remodeling their home on Marjorie's family farm. Ira lovingly cared for Marjorie many years as her health declined, and they returned to California to be near family in 2013. Ira became a resident of Atherton Baptist Homes in January 2018.

Early in their marriage while living in Moorhead, MN, Ira and Marjorie became born again Christians, leading to a lifetime commitment to do God's work. They were charter members of Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church in Moorhead, and spent many summers attending Inspiration Point Bible Camp in Clitherall, MN. Ira and Marjorie sacrificed much to send all five of their children to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN, in order to provide them with a Christian education. Ira was always active in his church, particularly at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church in Moorhead, Rodnes Lutheran Church in Erskine, Victoria Community Church in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Immanuel Lutheran Brethren Church in Pasadena, CA. Ira was known as a man of prayer and desired to be used as a witness to Christ's saving grace.

In addition to his faith, Ira had a firm belief in giving back to his community as a volunteer. He was a member of several boards during his lifetime, including the Home Builders Association of the Fargo/Moorhead area, the Church of the Lutheran Brethren in Fergus Falls, MN, the Erskine School District in Erskine, MN, and Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN. He ran for Polk County Commissioner and was a 4-H leader while living in Erskine. Ira demonstrated a fierce work ethic and believed in an honest day's pay for an honest day's work, but he also loved to have fun. An avid baseball fan, Ira completed his dream of attending a baseball game in every major league stadium. Both Ira and Marjorie had an adventurous spirit and always made a point to be present for family events, no matter how near or far. Ira truly loved his family and countless friends.

Ira passed away surrounded by his family on October 13th, 2018, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of nearly seventy years, Marjorie Anne (Ophus) Mjelde currently residing at Atherton Baptist Homes in Alhambra, CA; daughter Jan Wader of Pasadena, CA; son Mark of Minnetrista, MN; daughter Elizabeth (Daniel) Ferris of Miles City, MT; daughter Dawn (Eric) Jones of Glendora, CA; grandson Joshua (Andrea) Wader and great granddaughter Karli Wader of Long Beach, CA; granddaughter Anna Wader and great grandson Christian Wader-Lopez of Makawao, HI; daughter-in-law Debra Mjelde of Erskine; step grandchildren Katy (Mike), Stella, and Josiah Mavis of Des Moines, IA; Traci (Brandon) and Noah Hills of Des Moines, IA; Brett Pederson of St. Paul, MN; brother Archie Mjelde of Buffalo, MN; sister-in-law Deloris Stauning of Beltrami, MN; sister-in-law Norma Mjelde of Moorhead, MN; brother-in-law Fred (Donna) Ophus of Granada Hills, CA; sister-in-law Sandra (John) Delmore of Coon Rapids, MN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ira was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Harry and Anne (Knudson) Ophus; brothers, Maurice, Vernon, and Curtis Mjelde; sisters, Nelda Thompson and Inez Marsh, and son Kent. Blessed be the memory of Ira Theodore Mjelde.

Funeral: 11:00AM Monday, October 22, 2018, at Rodnes Lutheran Church, rural Erskine, MN.

Visitation: 5:00PM to 7:00PM Sunday , October 21, 2018, with a 6:30 Prayer Service at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home in Fertile, MN, and one hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Rodnes Lutheran Cemetery, rural Erskine, MN.