Melvin Heggestad

Melvin Arthur Heggestad was born January 24, 1916 to Lewis and Jorgina (Silderen) Heggestad in New Prairie Township . He grew up and received his schooling in New Prairie Township . Melvin’s formal schooling was cut short as he and his mother ran the family farm when his father was taken ill and passed away. After losing the family farm during the Great Depression, he worked in various jobs as a hired hand in Illinois and at a CC Camp in Northern Minnesota . Melvin moved back to Starbuck and on September 27, 1940 he was united in marriage to Celia Anderson. From this union four children were born. The couple rented farms around the Starbuck area before purchasing their own in 1945. Melvin also served as a Pope County Commissioner for 16 years. At age 57, Melvin sold his farm and moved into Starbuck. Before retiring completely he sold seed corn, bought flax straw and sold real estate for several years. After his retirement, Melvin continued to live in Starbuck until the time of his death.

Melvin was a member of Indherred Lutheran Church in Starbuck. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, discussing politics or most any other topic, travelling and being a grandparent. He was very proud of his Norwegian Heritage and visited Norway twice. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Melvin died on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center , having lived to reach the age of 94 years.

He is survived by his wife: Celia Heggestad of Starbuck; three children: Jeanne (Jim) Granley of Clearbrook, MN, Ruth Ohman of Ham Lake, MN and Mark (Jill) Heggestad of Fridley, MN; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; son: Donald; two sisters: Blanche Smedstad and Victoria Heggestad and two brothers: Leonard Heggestad and Raymond Heggestad.

Pallbearers for the service are: Jerry Lindor, Bruce Holten, Jay Heggestad, Jon Heggestad, Brian Ohman and Tom Karels. Amy VanZee will serve as organist for the service. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to the Indherred Lutheran Church Steeple Fund. You can mail memorials to: Celia Heggestad, 502 S Main St , Starbuck , MN 56381 .