Merlyn Mellem

Merlyn Mellem, age 76, of Fargo, went home to our Lord on July 13, 2016. Merlyn Gary Mellem was born on March 30, 1940, the son of Ivan and Muriel (Bakken) Mellem of Wyndmere, ND. Merlyn served in the United States Navy from 1959 -1963 on the USS Preserver. He was an over the road truck driver for over 40 years, logging more than 4 million miles. The open road was his playground. He was married and lived in the Twin Cities having four children but eventually coming back to North Dakota settling back in the Fargo area in the early 90’s. He loved fishing, going out to dinner with family and friends, and enjoyed bringing laughter with jokes and stories with a memory like no other. Merlyn is survived by his four children, Candace Lessin of Lake Park, MN; Chrystyne Mellem of St. Paul, MN; Jason Mellem of Blaine, MN; and Katie Israelson (Justin) of Andover, MN; as well as grandchildren - Andrew, Matthew, Alycia, Chelsea, Devin, Nolan and Keegan; and four great-grandchildren. Merlyn was blessed to be one of five boys, being so very close to each other, survived by brothers - Curtis Mellem (Donna) of Wyndmere, ND; Donald Mellem (Barb) of Blaine, MN; Dennis Mellem (Karen) of New Brighton, MN; and Eugene Mellem (Barb) of Fargo, ND; as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and co-workers from years on the road. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son-in-law, Mark Lessin. The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Villa Maria for the superb care for our father and brother. Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM Monday, July 18, 2016 at Wyndmere Lutheran Church in Wyndmere, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will be held at Elk Creek Cemetery near Wyndmere. Military Funeral Honors will be provided by the American Legion on Wyndmere and the North Dakota National Guard.