Vergil Melo

Vergil Melo was born August 4, 1925, to Conrad and Inge (Hanson) Melo. He grew up on their farm near Newfolden, Minnesota. There he enjoyed riding their horse bare-back and roaming the woods where he made friends with wild animals. Among them were a deer, an owl, and a squirrel. Later in life, stories about his pets charmed his listeners. He attended country school and loved to tell about his and his friends’ shenanigans. Onto high school in Newfolden, he met his sweetheart, Delaine Shearn, whom he married in 1948 in her hometown of Viking, Minnesota. On Memorial Day every year, Verg and Delaine remembered departed family members in the area by bringing flowers to their graves.

Vergil and Delaine were well-known as the Country Friends, performing music at churches, nursing homes, local events, fairs, and bars. Verg was a master banjo player, ranked number 3 in the State of North Dakota. Multi-talented, he also played guitar, violin, ukulele, piano, organ, saxophone, and clarinet. Delaine sang, and played the keyboard, mandolin, and drums. Verg’s sense of humor and storytelling contributed to their popularity. Music lovers to the core, they also went square dancing.

A carpenter and painter by trade, Vergil built his home in Fargo near North Dakota State University. He later passed these skills on to his son Darrell. He and Delaine raised four boys: David, Darrell, Terry, and Gerry. He added a beauty salon for Delaine in 1949 where she faithfully served her clientele for 54 years. Vergil complemented her career by working in sales for beauty and barber supplies. He also sold securities and investments. Underneath his fun-loving demeanor was a smart and hard-working man. Vergil also served on the Fargo Fire Department for 10 years, often assigned to drive the ladder truck.

He and his family were members of Peace Lutheran Church, where their sons attended Sunday School and were confirmed. Toward the end of his life, several times he reassured his family that he was right with God.

Vergil was preceded in death by his wife Delaine and two sons, David and Terry; also his parents Conrad and Inge and three brothers, Harlan, Wendell, and Merle.

Survivors include Darrell Melo of Perham, Minnesota, Gerry Melo of Fargo, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.