Melvin John Haider, age 99, of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Melvin was born at home to John and Rose (Schoenborn) Haider in Rosedale Township, rural Mahnomen on April 25, 1925.  He grew up on the farm, actively helping with the daily chores from a young age.  On July 31, 1945, Melvin was united in marriage to Lillian Voit at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN.  A sacred union that would last almost 74 years and bless them with six children.  In 1952, with their growing family, they moved from town to the farm southeast of Mahnomen.  Over the next 35 years, Melvin continued to farm, and he also owned and operated his own gravel truck.  Following his retirement in 1987, Melvin and Lillian moved back to town where they would make their home together until Lillian's death in May of 2019.  In the fall of 2019, Melvin moved to the Mahnomen Health Center where he has since resided.

Melvin had several hobbies he enjoyed. He liked gardening, canning, playing cards, and dancing.  Numerous hours were spent with Lillian on quilting projects. During retirement, Melvin also helped Gene Janisch with field work.  Above all, he treasured his family and friends and the countless hours of conversations over a cup of coffee.  Melvin also had a steadfast faith that was evident in his day-to-day living and the wonderful examples both he and Lillian were to their children and grandchildren. In his younger years, Melvin was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu until 1987 when they became members of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.

Melvin is survived by  two sons, Jim (Bonita) Haider of Perham, MN, and Steve (Kathy) Haider of Mahnomen; four daughters: Marion Schaaf of Billings, MT, Theresa Dahl of Park River, ND, JoAnn (David Rongstad) Paulson of Shevlin, MN, and Rosemary Haider of Eagan, MN; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two step great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Dennis (Corrine) Haider of Waubun; three sisters: Valerie Becker of Milwaukee, WI, Delores Remmick also of Milwaukee and Corrina Sanden of Osakis, MN; one sister-in-law, Bernice Voit and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillian; three sons-in-law: Iver "JR" Dahl, Art Schaaf and Felix Rode; sister and brother-in-law, Sally (Matt) Neisen; three brothers-in-law: Leroy Sanden, Gerald Becker and Elmer Remmick.

Blessed be the memory of Melvin Haider.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary and Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the church.  Interment will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.