MELVIN WILBERT LIMANEN
January 9, 1924 ~ October 16, 2011

Melvin Wilbert Limanen, age 87 of Cloquet, MN passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the Bayshore Skilled Nursing Facility in Duluth, MN.
Melvin was born on January 9, 1924 in Ottertail County, MN to John and Hilma (Meyers) Limanen. He attended Washington Country School #279. On March 26, 1949, he was united in marriage to Sophie Johnson. They had four children: Wilbert, Rodney, Cindy and Corinne. Melvin served in the U.S. Army during WWII, from 1944 to 1946, first in Okinawa and then in Korea. After their marriage, Melvin and Sophie made their home in Sebeka, where Melvin worked at the Ford Garage for 5 years. In 1952, they moved to Verndale where he was part owner of G & L Services, a service station and garage. Later they moved to Minneapolis, where he worked at Land O’ Lakes. In 1957, Melvin, Sophie and their family moved to Menahga. Melvin built a house for their family, buying lumber each payday. They lived in this home until October of 2004. During this time, Melvin worked at the Ford Garage in Sebeka and ten years for the Menahga Co-op Garage as a mechanic. He also had Mel’s Repair at home. From 1971 to 1991, Melvin was the City Engineer for Menahga and after semi-retirement, continued to work for 8 more years under the new City Engineer. He was a hard working man. He had a remarkable memory and loved to tell stories and jokes. Melvin restored and rebuilt several vehicles, including a 1960 Ford pickup; 1978 Chevrolet 4 wheel drive pickup; VAC Case tractor and a John Deere tractor. To keep his grandchildren entertained, he created a playground, making a huge merry-go-round, a teeter-totter, swing set, a “real” playhouse and a very, very tall slide. A hobby that he enjoyed and shared with his sons was building and flying radio controlled airplanes. His favorite was a quarter scale Bud Nosen J-3 Piper Cub with a 9 foot wingspan. Melvin was also a very talented musician, playing the accordion, guitar and keyboard. He particularly enjoyed playing with his family and friends. In his younger days, he played in a band called “The Happy Pals”, playing at Town Halls and on the Wadena Radio Station. Melvin was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Menahga Volunteer Fire Dept for 13 years, the Civil Air Patrol and a lifetime member of the Guy L. McDermeit V.F.W. Post #6206. Even as his health declined, he kept his sense of humor, had that “twinkle” in his eye and enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. He will be missed so much by his wife, family and friends.
Melvin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Sophie; his 2 sons: Wilbert (Phyllis) of Laurium, MI and Rodney (Dorothy) of Eveleth, MN; his 2 daughters: Cindy (Gene) Goede of Ramsey, MN and Corinne (Ken) Stoltz of Austin, MN; 25 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers: William, Edward, Walter, Eino and Harry; 2 sisters: Esther Windels and Helen Nevala-Makela; infant grandson, Jarod Limanen and infant great grandson, Jacob Kadlec.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN with Reverend John Ramsbacher officiating. Casketbearers will be Melvin’s grandsons: Bryan Limanen, Jonathan Limanen, Luke Foley, Joshua Limanen, Jacob Limanen and Zac Limanen. Honorary casketbearers will be: Clyde Allebach, Elmer Bohjanen and Wayne Rost. A luncheon will be hosted for all to attend following the service at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Guy L. McDermeit V.F.W. Post #6206. Interment will be made in the Jim Cook Cemetery near Menahga, MN. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 P.M. on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga, MN and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. The family would like to thank St. Mary’s Hospice and the Bayshore Health Center in Duluth for the care and support they gave to Melvin during his stay.