Melvin Bonga, age 69, of Red Lake, Minnesota, formally of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died on September 9, 2007 at Jourdian Perpich Nursing Home, Red Lake.

Melvin was born on August 16, 1937 in Ponsford, Minnesota, to John and Mary (Wadena) Bonga. As a child, Melvin was raised in Ponsford and in his teenage years moved to the Twin Cities. He worked construction until 1993, when he was injured in a construction related accident. Since then Melvin has lived in various nursing homes, and for the last six years, Jourdian Perpich Nursing Home in Red Lake.

Melvin is survived by his son, Dario of Stillwater, MN; his sister, Verna Basswood, Mahnomen, MN; a brother Ernest of Shakopee, MN; and one grandson, Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents.