Melvin "Mel" A. Erdmann

Melvin August Erdmann, age 79, of Hillsboro, ND, passed away peacefully early in the morning on April 22, 2025, at his residence.

Melvin was born on July 23, 1945, to August Erdmann and Sadie (Sarah) Erdmann in Fargo. He grew up farming near Alice and began his education at Pontiac School for his first two years. He later attended school in Lucca and graduated from Enderlin High School in 1963.

In 1966 he met the love of his life, Judy, at a sock hop dance in Amenia. Melvin and Judy were married on September 8, 1967, in Arthur. After their marriage, they lived in Fargo and Mapleton before finally settling down in Enderlin. There, they raised their four sons: Mark, Paul, David and Thomas until the family moved to Hillsboro in 1991.

In 1993, Melvin’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with CNS Sarcoidosis, which left him a paraplegic later that same year. During this difficult time, Melvin stayed positive and was determined to stay active in his community. Although he had started college earlier in life, he returned and graduated from Mayville State University in May of 1998.

Melvin was always eager to give back to the community and served in many roles, including Boy Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Church Call and Stewardship Committees. He also served on the Board of Red Willow Bible Camp, the Traill-Steele Affordable Rural Coalition for Health Board, the Hillsboro Park Board, and Traill County Social Services.

Melvin enjoyed talking with people and could strike up a conversation with anyone. What began as a five-minute chat often turned into a one-hour visit, as that was simply who Melvin was: generous, warm-hearted, and hard to say goodbye to. Although wheelchair-bound for 32 years, he never let that stop him from doing what he loved and pursing his passions. His family meant the world to him, and he attended every event he could to show his love and support.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Erdmann; sons, Mark Erdmann, Paul (Abby) Erdmann, David (Cynthia) Erdmann and Thomas (Ashley) Erdmann; siblings, Darlene Sell, Earl (Marcia) Erdmann and Gene (Bonnie) Erdmann; grandchildren, Alyssa and Kayla, Madeline, August, and Miles, Grayson and Harper, Josilyn, Reagan and Finn; and step-grandchildren, Norah and Ruby.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, William Sell; and daughters-in-law, Stephanie Coltvet Erdmann and Tanya Erdmann.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local charity of your choice to honor Melvin.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 1 PM Friday, May 2, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro – with a visitation one hour prior

PRAYER SERVICE: 7 PM Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro – with a visitation one hour prior

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Chapel in Hillsboro.