Donald Edward Melvin

Donald Edward Melvin (Don) passed away on January 7, 2026 at Sanford Health on Broadway after a two-year long battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.

Don was born January 23, 1953 in Glendive, MT to William Scott Melvin and Rita Kathryn Melvin. He grew up in Beach, ND and graduated from Beach High School. Don worked hard, helping his dad with the potato and grain operations and feeding cattle on the family farm. He attended college at the Wahpeton School of Science for Welding. Don was a talented welder and spent many years at Steffes in Dickinson, ND and Case New Holland (Steiger Tractor) in Fargo, ND. He took pride in a job well done. In 1975, he married Ida Margaret Kraft and they were blessed with one daughter, Jessica Theresia Melvin born in 1978. Nobody loved a joke or trick more than Don. He took delight in shocking friends and family with his stories, jokes and tricks. In addition to his career skills, he was talented at leatherwork and coin cutting.

Don is survived by his daughter Jessica Melvin (Hector Cruz), his grandchildren; Robert Peightal, Matthew Peightal (Nayeli Peightal) and twins; Janessa Johnson and Kayla Peightal and great grandchildren; Eliza, Amira, Darla, Kenai, Maylee, Domingo Alexandre, and Nehemias Emiliano.

Don is also survived by his sisters; Edna Blickensderfer, Kathy (Gil) Ebner, and his brother Dick Melvin and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; Bill and Rita Melvin and his older brother Bill (Chip). His big lovable black lab Bella needs to be mentioned. Bella died a couple of years ago and Don has missed her every day since. His daughter and Bella were his best friends.

Don will be missed by his friends; Ben, Eva, Jonah, Emma, and Sunday Peightal, Darlene, Dale, Richard, Woody, Eric, Guy, Mike, Terry, Paul, Danielle, Kenny, Doug, Lynn, Jerry, Marty and many others.