Thomas Leonard Melin,
68, Ada, MN, died Thursday, November 14, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer, at Essentia Hospital in Ada.
Tom loved the community of Ada and all of the people of that great city. He worked for the University of Minnesota Extension Service 4-H youth development for 30 years retiring as Professor Emeritus. Also in that time he was a member of the Ada Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, he served on the Ada-Borup School Board for 14 years, was part of the Norman County Ag Society for 25 years and also was a DNR firearm instructor for 31 years. He lived to serve and volunteer for others.
Tom enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, especially in the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and always looked forward to deer camp. Also in the fall, Tom was well known to lie in a muddy field chasing geese. In the summer it was all about time at the lake with family and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Carl (Leonard) Melin and Isabel Melin. He also was preceded in death by father-in-law Orvus Benitt and cousin James Maves, he is also reunited with Shadow.
Tom is survived by his wife Valerie who he shared 45 wonderful years with. They have three children Jason (Laura) Melin, Tracy (Chris) Olson and Tara (Ryan) Knutson. He is also survived by six grandchildren who hold a special place in his heart, Hannah Grace Olson (15), Olivia Ann Olson (12), Alexander Jason Melin (11), Ella Jo Knutson (10), Dominick Laurence Melin (9) and Carl Thomas Knutson (3). He is also survived by his sister Shelly (Kirby) McFarlane and mother-in-law Aileen Benitt.
Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: Tuesday, November 19, 2019, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at the church.
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, Minnesota www.fredriksonfh.com
