Melvin Ostmo

Melvin Ostmo, 86, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Northwood, North Dakota died Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Bethany Homes in Fargo.

Melvin resided on the Ostmo family farm throughout his childhood and much of his adult life. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church and graduated from Northwood High School. Mel served 3 years in the United States Army during WWII and was stationed in Italy and North Africa. Upon returning to Northwood, he farmed with his brother Anton for nearly 40 years until retiring in 1984. Melvin married Grace Oksendahl on February 5, 1979. They lived most of their married life in Mesa, Arizona. Melvin enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling throughout the United States.

He is survived by his wife Grace of Fargo, nephew Mike (Kim) Mendenhall of Franktown, Colorado, nieces Becky (LaVerne) Rogalla of Oslo, Minnesota, and Judy (David) Engen of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Other survivors include Grace's sons Leland (Patricia) Oksendahl of Fargo, Douglas (Kathleen) Oksendahl of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, Rodney (Joan) Oksendahl of Fargo, and James (Julie) Oksendahl of Gilbert, Arizona. There are several grandnieces and nephews as well as step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by parents Martin and Othilda Ostmo, brother, Anton Ostmo, and sisters Agnes Ostmo and Edith Mendenhall.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Northwood Evangelical Church in Northwood, ND with burial in the South Cemetery rural Northwood.

Visitation will be on Friday at the Bilden Funeral Home in Northwood from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm and one hour prior to services in the church.

The Bilden Funeral Home of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.