Melvin Harold Nelson was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1922 at the home of his parents Olaf and Sena (Julson) Nelson south of Denbigh.  His paternal grandparents – E. Jacob and Anna Nelson were early settlers of McHenry County, arriving and homesteading along the Mouse River in 1886.  Both his paternal and maternal grandparents were immigrants from Norway arriving here in the 1880s. 

He was a lifetime member of Norway Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed.  He served in many capacities - including the Church Council, sang in the Choir and was a member of the Norway Cemetery Board.

He attended Wintering School through the 8^th grade and in 1942 graduated from Towner High School.  His love of ranching began early in his life and he drove to high school (instead of living in town) so that he could help his parents with the raising of their livestock.

He married Vera Louise Rom July 7^th 1946 at Zion Lutheran Church in Towner and they celebrated their 68^th wedding anniversary this past July. 

Before Melvin owned and operated his own ranch, he worked two summers for ND Extension Service and drove the spray truck in and around McHenry County. Between 1948 &1951, he was employed by Severt Dahl and lived there taking care of his livestock on shares.  In 1951, Melvin and Vera moved to the south unit of the Eaton Ranch that they later purchased.  Melvin continued to ranch and raise Hereford cattle for 63 years.  In the summer of 2014 health problems became an issue but he helped bring the cattle home from summer pasture to their winter quarters in November 2014.  At one time he raised 2 Hereford steers that resulted in weighing over a ton each and were shown at many locations.

In 1952 Melvin and Vera became the foster home of Arlen Ellingson and he lived and worked with them until he was called to serve in the Army in Germany in 1961.  After he served his country he returned to the Nelson Ranch. 

Melvin served the community in many ways:

• 42 years he served as Secretary/Treasurer on Towner Rural Fire Protection District
• Lifetime member of the North Dakota Fireman’s Associate
• 45 years a member of ND Stockman Association
• Member of the Towner Ranchers Scale Association and in 1977 was awarded the “Typical Western Cowboy” award
• Eaton Dam Irrigation Board as Director and President
• Member of Citizens to Save the Valley

Melvin was recognized for his service:

1975 Melvin completed his Doctor of Motors in recognition of his outstanding service to owners of automotive vehicles, his determination to render only the best in repairs and replacements and his efforts to promote safer, more economical driving. 

1989 Melvin was recognized as a son of a Dakota Territory Pioneer from the North Dakota Centennial Commission and as a grandchild of a North Dakota Pioneer by the McHenry County Historical Society.

Melvin always said that he learned more from FFA during his time at Towner High School than any other classes.  He always supported the Towner FFA in many ways and was a Life Member of the National FFA Alumni Association.

1991 - Melvin was presented an award of appreciation from the National FFA Organization of Crittenden County Chapter in Kentucky for encouragement, cooperation and assistance given the FFA in helping them to accomplish outstanding achievements in farming, leadership, citizenship and community welfare. 

In 1992, was recognized by the McHenry County Historical Society for his dedicated and unselfish service for helping make the Rural Towner Community a safe place to live. 

Rode in the Towner parade leading the large Nelson contingent for many years.

August 2010 – Melvin and Vera where recognized by the North Dakota Natural Areas Registry for the protection of the Kopperdahl Fen that is located on their property.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9^th at the Zion Lutheran Church in Towner with spring burial in the Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Denbigh.  Pastor Linda Wimmer, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Towner with a prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services on Monday at the church.