Melvin "Mel" Lorenzen

Mel passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Manorcare Health Services in Fargo at the age of 74.

Melvin A. Lorenzen was born on October 12, 1936, the son of Albert and Alta (Bendt) Lorenzen in Pipestone County, MN. He grew up in this area and graduated from Edgerton High School. Mel was united in marriage to Thelma "Terry" VanderWal on May 11, 1956 at the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone. Mel and Terry moved from Pipestone to Riverside, CA in 1960. They moved back to the Pipestone are in 1964 and in 1972 moved to Marshall, MN where he worked for Schwan's. In 1977 they settled in Hillsboro where they raised their family. Terry passed away on April 20, 2007.

During their years in Hillsboro, Mel was a very active member of the Hillsboro United Parish. He served in many roles, including treasurer, for a number of years. He enjoyed watching sports and playing cards. Mel loved his family dearly and enjoyed each day spent with them,  especially his grandkids.

Mel is survived by his children, Chad Lorenzen of Fargo; Brad (Caroll) Lorenzen of Creston, IA; and Darcelle (Scott) Sailer of Fargo; his grandchildren - John, Jade, Jordan, Elizabeth, Cassandra, Reile, and Gwenyth; and his great grandchildren - Kiara, Zoe, James, Gavin, and Saniyah. Also surviving are his sisters, LaVonne Scott of Redwing, MN; Marion Braa of Luverne, MN; his sister-in-law, Lorna Lorenzen; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other very dear relatives.

Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Terry; his parents; and his brother, Verdell.