Melvin G Woldstad, 92

Melvin G Woldstad, 92, of Drummond, passed away from natural causes Monday, March 7, 2016 in Stevensville.

Melvin was born on June 24, 1923, in Kippen, Montana to Sigvart and Cora Woldstad. They then moved and established a Homestead in Valier. He started working on the family farm at a very young age.

Melvin entered the service on May 25, 1943. He served stateside and went overseas to Europe on Nov. 23, 1944. He received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart in service to his country. Melvin left the service Jan. 6, 1946.

On Jan. 19, 1946, Melvin married Marion Johnson in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, and returned to the family farm in Valier to raise a family. In 1964, Melvin was widowed and raised his seven children as a single father. In 1967, he moved his children to Western Montana, where he worked many years in sales. In 1970 he began working as a mail carrier, retiring in 1988.

Melvin was loyal, kind-hearted, humble and hard-working. He had many interests, which included all things to do with his children and grandchildren. He loved working on the ranch and any job that entailed horses or cows. He loved taking long drives to enjoy the beautiful Montana scenery. Melvin was very intelligent and could tell you anything about current events and past history.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Woldstad, in 1964; both parents, Sigvart and Cora Woldstad; brothers, Carrol and Selmar Woldstad; sisters, Stella Risdahl, Alice Burford and Martha Stordahl; sons, Douglas and Ronald Woldstad; daughter, Kathy Castlio; and great-grandson, Jace Woldstad.

He is survived by his sister, Clarice, and Tibb, of Conrad; brother, Marion, and Joni, of East Glacier; sister-in-law, Ethel Woldstad, of Browning; brothers-in-law, Norman Stordahl of Conrad and Duncan Burford of Billings; sons, Leslie Woldstad of Victor, David and Jolene of Kalispell, Kenneth and Lezlie of Polson, and Roger and Phyllis of Stevensville; and daughter, Janice Woldstad, of Missoula. Melvin had 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, along with many more family members and friends.

A celebration of Melvin’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2512 Sunset Lane in Missoula. A private burial took place on Thursday, March 9, at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.