Melvin B. Aakvik was born on March 16, 1912, at Clarkfield, Minnesota, to parents John and Olga (Granholt) Aakvik. He was one of seven siblings born to the family. He attended school at Clarkfield, Minnesota. Melvin married Odella Gautefall on June 28, 1940, at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls, Minnesota, by Rev. Alf Jorgenson. They were members of the Yellow Medicine Church. Melvin worked road construction for Jay Craig Construction Co. in Minneapolis for many years. He was a member of the 49ers Operating Engineers. He and Odella enjoyed traveling as part of the "Holiday Ramblers" and made many trips south with the group. Melvin and Odella lived in Hanley Falls for many years. He moved to Clarkfield, Minnesota, in 1987, following the death of his wife. He became a resident of the Clarkfield Care Center about five years ago. He passed away at the Care Center on Tuesday, August 23, 2005, at the age of 83 yeans, 5 months, and 7 days. He is survived by his sister Myrtle Booker of Keokuk, Iowa, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Odella; brothers: Carl, Arthur, and Bennie; and sisters: Judith and Evelyn. Blessed be his memory. Funeral Service Friday, August 26, 2005, 10:30 a.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Allen E. Johnson Casketbearers Donald Hanson, Marlyn Hanson Mehard Hanson, Wesley Hanson Larry Sorenson, Arlo Zimmer Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota