Melvin Thompson, age 70, of Bejou, MN, died Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at Sanford Health Systems, Fargo, ND.

Melvin Robert Thompson, son of Bennie and EvaLena (McCollum) Thompson, was born on April 12, 1944, in Fertile, MN. He grew up on a farm near Gary, MN and attended school in Gary. As a young man, Melvin worked on his family farm as well as area farms. He was employed with Bert Ness in Mahnomen, MN then moved to Montana to work in the Missile Sights. On September 28, 1968, Melvin was united in marriage to Gloria Brtek in Bejou. The couple made their home in Crookston for a short time then returned to Bejou where they have lived since. In 1970, Melvin became a diesel mechanic for Espeseth Hardware in Winger, MN, and he continued to work there until 1982. Due to a back injury he was unable to work and retired. Melvin was very active with the Bejou Community, serving on the City Council for over 30 years, resigning only a month ago. He was also a member of the Bejou Recreation Association, the Rough Riders Snowmobile Club, and the Bejou Senior Citizen Homes group.

Melvin was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping and his annual fishing trip with his sons. He was an avid Vikings fan and was always ready for a good game of whist. Melvin was active in his children's lives never missing one of their important events and, in their younger years, he was their biggest high school sports fan. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and loved to take them on four-wheeler rides. Melvin loved to tinker and was a man who could fix anything.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria of Bejou; three sons: Mason (Kelly) of St. Cloud, MN, Ryan (Catherine) of Sartell, MN, and Lance of Sartell; one daughter Mandy (fiancé, Daniel Gunderson) of Moorhead, MN; six grandchildren: Tyra, Noah, Benjamin, Jack, Elyse, and Payge; two brothers: Gerald (Joyce) Thompson of Hawley and Marvis (Margie) Thompson of Perley, MN; three sisters: Sharon (Tom) Johnson of Maple Grove, MN, Caren Mikesh of Fargo, ND, and Bonnie Gay Thompson of Moorhead; and a dear niece, Brenda (Mike) Neisen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and sister-in-law, BennieLee "Sonny" and Theresa Thompson; and one sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn "Evie" and Paul Michelson.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bejou, MN. An open Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2014, at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN.

Interment took place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Bejou, MN.