Melvin Erlandsen

Melvin J. Erlandsen, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2020 at The Lutheran Home of Belle Plaine, MN.  Son of Genevieve & A. Melvin Erlandsen, Mel was born September 12, 1939 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. The family moved to Fargo, ND in 1945 and he graduated from Central High in 1957.  Mel enlisted in the Navy where he served as a naval photographer. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he moved back to Fargo and attended NDSU. He married Connie McConnell in 1964 and they raised three children in Fargo, ND. Mel retired from the US Postal Service in 1991. He and Connie moved to Belle Plaine, MN in 2006, where he lived the remainder of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, Jordan, MN; son Tyler (Kathy) Erlandsen, Arlington, TX; daughter, Tamara Muscha, Pensacola, FL; and son Trevor (Julie) Erlandsen, Carver, MN.

Grandchildren: Nick (Melissa) Knutson, Mikayla, Abigail & Kelsey Erlandsen; Emily (Jon) Smith, Andrew (Mary Catherine) Muscha, Zachary Muscha, Molly (Courtland) Stoltz, Riley Muscha, Kara Muscha; Axel Erlandsen, Harlee Erlandsen; Great-grandchildren: Hadley, Kase & Stella Knutson; Greyson Smith. Siblings: Betty Monson, Lidgerwood, ND; Ray (Judi) Erlandsen, Sun City, AZ; Roger (Pam) Erlandsen, Moorhead, MN; Phyllis (Philip) Norgren, Grand Forks, ND, and several nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, sister, MaryAnne Kinney and her husband Wayne, brother-in-law Darwin Monson, and son-in-law William R. Muscha.

He will be laid to rest at the Fargo National Cemetery. Due to the current CDC restrictions, internment will take place later this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to The Lutheran Home of Belle Plaine in Mel’s name.

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