After an illness of several weeks, which had been preceded by a general weakened condition covering a number of years, death came to Mr. C. J. Melin, one of our respected citizens and faithful church members, June 25, 1943.

Mr. Melin was born in Ispheming, Mich., November 18, 1868. In company with his parents, Anders and Charlotta Melin, he came to Douglas County in 1876. He was confirmed August 16, 1885 and has remained a member of the Lutheran Church ever since. He was a member of the Lake Ida Evangelical Lutheran Church until the fall of 1928 when he and the family were transferred to the Svea church. While a member of the Lake Ida church, Mr. Melin served both as a deacon and as trustee, and has also served as a member of the Church Council of the Svea Lutheran Church.

June 25, 1892, he was united in marriage to Hilma Norin in Ida township. Until 1905 the family lived on the father-in-law's place in Ida township. They purchased the farm in Ida township where they lived until three years ago when they moved to Alexandria.

Besides his wife, who survives him, he leaves eight sons and one daughter to mourn his passing. These are: C. Arthur Melin, Alexandria, Walter of LaJord, Sask., Canada, Axel at home, Oscar in Grand Forks, N. Dak., Reuben of Muskegon Hts., Mich., Arvid of Alexandria, Inez, (Mrs. Harold Rygh), stationed at Douglas, Ariz., Herbert of Muskegon Hts., Mich., and Kermit of Pasadena, Calif. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, one sister and two brothers, namely: Mrs. Olof Kolberg, Brandon, Mr. Victor Melin and Axel Melin, both of Garfield. One brother and one sister preceeded him in death.

Mr. Melin was one of the first rural mail carriers in Douglas County. As such he served the Garfield area for a period of 30 years, retiring from active service in 1932. He also had many other positions of trust and responsibility. He had a cheerful and kind disposition and sought the welfare of his family and others.

The funeral services were conducted last Monday at Engstrom Funeral Home at 11:30 o'clock and at Svea Lutheran church at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. At the services in the church Mrs. Ralph Lindquist sang two songs, "Abode of Peace," and a Swedish song, "Blott en Dag."

The body lay in state from 1 to 2 in the Svea Lutheran church and many friends and relatives and former neighbors took occasion to visit the church that hour.

Besides numerous floral offerings given by friends, many memorial gifts were given to institutions and missions in rememberance of Mr. Melin.

The honorary pallbearers were: Geo. W. Leighton, Charley Carlson, Max Wagner of Alexandria, Joe Mechels of Garfield, Clarence Johnson of Brandon, Fritz Larson of Carlos, all rural mail carriers.

The active pallbearers were: Dr. Harvey Monson, Wallace Monson, Lawrence Melin, Leonard Melin, Fred Melin and Harvey Kolberg, all nephews.

Those attending from out of town were: Mr. A. W. Monson, Hazel and Evelyn, Wallace Monson, Dr. Harvey Monson and son, Richard, all of Moorhead, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Melin and daughter, Irene, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Melin and family, all of Minneapolis. All the children were at home at the service.