Loyd Melby

Loyd Melby, 82, of rural Badger, MN, died on Saturday, April 16, 2016 in LifeCare Roseau Manor at Roseau, MN.

Loyd Clifford Melby, the son of Enock & Tilda (Dokken) Melby, was born December 7, 1933 in Greenbush, MN, the oldest of 6 brothers. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong active member of the Oiland Free Lutheran Church. Loyd attended the Haug School through the 8^th grade and then attended the Greenbush High School, graduating in 1952. He attended Teachers Training in Thief River Falls from 1952-1953 and then began his teaching career in Wannaska, MN in 1953. Loyd completed his 4 year degree in Elementary Education at Bemidji State, graduating in 1968; and he later earned a “Life Certificate” in Elementary Education also from Bemidji State. Loyd retired in 1989 after teaching at the Wannaska School for 36 years. “Mr. Melby” remembered and treasured all the students he taught throughout the years, and he often spoke of many fond memories he had during his years of teaching. One of his favorite quotes was, “To love is to teach.” Loyd was also faithful in teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Release Time Classes.

Loyd was instrumental in the development of the MN Firearms Safety Program in Roseau County beginning in 1953. He then became a Certified Volunteer Hunter Education Firearm Instructor in 1956 and for nearly 60 more years he taught gun training to many students in Roseau County. Loyd was passionate about teaching Firearm Safety to his students and he strived to make it an enjoyable learning experience for each student who attended. Loyd enjoyed hunting deer, prairie dogs, moose, pheasants, fox & coyotes. He was an expert trap shooter (once shooting 200 straight), and supported the Greenbush Trap Club for many years. Loyd also shot in many tournaments including the National “Grand American” Tournament in Vandalia, Ohio.

Faith, family and friends were all very important to Loyd. He had a very big heart and a genuine compassion for people. He enjoyed watching his nieces and their families grow up, and he took great pride in their lives. Loyd loved to tell stories; loved to communicate to others in sign language, Norwegian and Polish; and he also loved to share his Ole & Lena jokes – putting a smile on many faces. Music was also very dear to his heart and he played many instruments by ear, including the guitar, violin and piano. Loyd was an active member of the area music jam sessions for many years and also volunteered his time and musical talents at other events. In 2006, Loyd was honored to be chosen as one of Roseau County’s Outstanding Senior Citizens.

He is survived by Brothers, Vernon, Donald & Gary Melby, all of Badger. Sister-in-law—Becky Melby of Badger.

2 nieces—Patti (Paul) Robinson of Badger & Laura (Dwayne) Mast of Roseau, MN.

Grand nephews & nieces—Anisa & Trever Robinson of Badger and Eliana, Ava, Olivia & Zander Mast of Roseau. And many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Harvey Melby in 2010 and one infant brother in 1946.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Oiland Lutheran Church, rural Greenbush, with Pastor David Nelson & Pastor LeRoy Flickinger, officiating. Pianists were Tammy Wahl & Laura Mast. Special vocal music was provided by Wayne & Bruce Melby; Ellie, Ava & Olivia Mast; Bill Wagner and Rose Ann Strandlund; The Wahl Family Singers and the Area Music Jam Members.

Pallbearers were Gerald Graff, David Dokken, Dennis & Donald Strandlund, Luke Novacek, Rick Sovde, Loren & Stanley Melby. Honorary Pallbearers were Paul, Patti, Anisa & Trever Robinson; Dwayne, Laura, Ellie, Ava, Olivia & Zander Mast; Member of the Greenbush Trap Club and coworkers and Students of the Wannaska School.

Burial was in Oiland Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Friday evening in Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush with a prayer service led by Pastor David Nelson. Special music was by Leland and Kerri Melby.

Arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.