Melvin "Mel" Rasmussen, 82, of Gary, MN, died on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN. He was born on January 15, 1931, to Louis and Maude (Rounsville) Rasmussen in Plummer, MN. Melvin began his schooling near Plummer and finished in a rural school near Fertile. Following his schooling, Melvin worked on area farms as farm laborer. He entered the United States Army on November 30, 1949, and, for the next 20 years, served all over the globe. He had two tours of duty in Korea and one in Vietnam.
On January 19, 1957, Melvin was united in marriage to Marlys Tradewell at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile. Melvin retired on November 30, 1969, and settled in Red Lake Falls, MN. He worked for Dairy Herd Improvement Association for 27 years. He and Marlys moved to Fertile in 1978, and Melvin, retiring a second time on December, 1997. He continued to stay busy with parttime work in the area. Marlys died on December 19, 1994. Melvin married Janina Arvanitis in August of 2000 in South Dakota.
Over the years Melvin was a member of the American Legion and the Veteran's of Foreign War organizations. He was a longtime member of First Evanger Lutheran Church, Fertile, where he served as Treasurer. Over the years, Melvin enjoyed general carpentry. He built sheds and assisted family members with various projects. Family was truly important to Melvin and he loved to be together for family events.
Melvin is survived by three sons: Bill (Meloni), Crookston, MN; Randy (Margaret) Thief River Falls, MN; and Don (Donna), Thornton, CO; one daughter: Denise Rasmussen, Gary, MN; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; wife, Janina Arvanitis, Fargo, ND; a step-son, Andy Arvanitis, AZ; and several in-laws, nephews and nieces. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marlys, and five brothers: Joe, Harry, Charlie, Ed, and Fred, as well as one step daughter, Margaret Jackson.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 9, 2013, 2:30PM at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 8, 2013, from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.

Burial will be in the First Evanger Lutheran Cemetery

Pastor Rolf Preus, Officiating

Lucille Fuglseth, Organist

Congregational Hymns

#779 "Amazing Grace"

#425 "Behold A Host Arrayed In White"

Insert "Jesus Christ My Sure Defense"

Sarah Mickelson, Soloist

"How Great Thou Art"

Pallbearers
Melvin's Grandsons

Bryan Rasmussen
Fred Larsen
Corey Rasmussen
Carlos Diaz
Alex Diaz
Cole Beckel
Mike Staples

Honorary Pallbearers
Melvin's Granddaughters

Sara Diaz
Stephanie Rasmussen
Stacy Beckel
JaNae Staples
Kayla Rasmussen
Krystina Rasmussen
Jamee Rasmussen
Morgan Rasmussen
Kaelyn Diaz
Tracy Christianson