Melvin 'Corky' Roy Flansaas, 82

Melvin "Corky" Roy Flansaas, 82, of Columbia Falls, passed away Jan. 3, 2025, from complications related to influenza. He was born June 18, 1942, in Chinook, Montana to the late Floyd Andrew Flansaas and Helen Lucille Flansaas (Brown). Melvin grew up in the great state of Montana, which he experienced to the fullest. He worked pulling the green chain in the sawmill in his early years then went on to become a concrete mixer at Libby Dam. He also worked road construction with a variety of roles, including wrapping up his career operating the gravel crusher for Schellinger Construction. He was a union member of the Operating Engineers.

In his free time, Melvin was known to frequent the CFHS football and basketball games. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He liked hunting and fishing. He greatly enjoyed his backyard with gardening, birdwatching and daily walks to the Old Red Bridge. He was an exceptional neighbor, always kind and helpful. He was known for graveling the winter road in front of his house. Melvin spent quality time in Glacier National Park especially in his retirement, where he liked to ice fish and canoe on Lake McDonald. He took particular pleasure in spotting bears and sharing those sightings with others. Melvin will always be remembered for his white bucket hat. 

Melvin is survived by wife of 63 years, Madge Flansaas; daughters, Donna of Saratoga Spring, New York and Patty of Arlington, Washington; sons, Robert of Marysville, Washington and Joe of Connersville, Indiana; sisters, Luella of Columbia Falls, Susette of Bellingham, Washington, Dorothy of Kalispell, and Karen of Anchorage, Alaska; brothers, Robert of Trout Creek, and Jerry of Anchorage; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Donna. 

A celebration of Melvin "Corky" Roy Flansaas’ life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Columbia Mortuary, 1010 Fourth Ave. W., Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Family and friends may begin to visit on Tuesday starting at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to, "Three Rivers Ambulance" and "Bad Rock Fire Department." To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.