Melvin John Christiansen

Melvin Christiansen, 90, of Bemidji, MN died Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Goldpine Home, Bemidji.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 13, 2019 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji with Pastor Tim Pomp officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Bemidji.

Melvin John Christiansen was born December 14, 1928 in Bemidji, MN to Adolph & Tilda Christiansen.  He grew up on the family dairy farm in the Carr Lake Community.  He attended Carr Lake School until the eighth grade and then on to Bemidji High School for a few years.  He left school due to his father’s illness and went to work for him at Christiansen Construction Company.  In December of 1948, Melvin joined the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in September of 1952.  On December 22, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Delores Lauderbaugh, in Bemidji.  They raised 7 children and operated Idylwyld Cottages on Lake Marquette.  Melvin was an electrician by trade, working over 36 years for I.B.E.W. #294.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting in many western states and Canada as well as traveling in the mountains.  He belonged to the Civil Air Patrol and enjoyed snowmobiling and flying radio controlled airplanes.  Melvin was a jack of all trades and could remedy any problem with his trusty black electrical tape.  His love of dancing with his wife and his daughters was quite evident and appreciated.  He was lovingly devoted to his wife and took great pride in each and every one of his family members.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Delores; children, Gayle (Doyle) Cooper, Vicki Wettschreck, Dawn (Richard) Jackson, Lisa (Rusty) Jackson, Gary (Janet) Christiansen, Brian (Shelly) Christiansen, Ronald (Barbara) Christiansen; brother, Richard (Jan) Christiansen; sisters, Eileen Wagner and Eleanor (Jack) Owen.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kyle Wettschreck; 6 brothers, 1 sister and 2 great grandchildren.  

Guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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