Elva Melin

Elva Marie Melin, age 97, of Pequot Lakes, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2010, at Good Samaritan Society, Pine River, where she had been a resident. She was born September 18, 1913, in Missouri, to Loyd and Laura (Drake) VanScoy. She moved with her family to Minnesota in 1915 when she was two years old and has lived in the Pequot Lakes area for 95 years. Elva graduated from Pequot Lakes High School in 1932. She married Martin Melin on October 28, 1933, and together they raised three children.

Elva and Martin farmed just outside of Pequot Lakes, in Cass County, for many years. She also worked at the Brainerd State Hospital for a number of years, and later at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Home and as a home health aide for the Crow Wing County Home Care Agency. Elva was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She was an active member of numerous church committees including education and women's groups. In the community, Elva served in positions on the Loon Lake Township and Cass County Boards and the Pequot Lakes School Board. She was a 4H leader and, according to her grandchildren, caramel roll baker extraordinaire.

Elva is survived by her children: Nancy Warinner, Joy Lotze, Mike Melin (Nancy); sister, Velma Kargel; 8 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters: Harriet, Audrey, Thelma; brother, Lloyd; and oldest grandson, Royal Warinner.

Services will be 11 AM on Monday, December 6, 2010, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes. Burial will follow at Pequot Lakes City Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 5 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes, and one hour prior to the service at the church.