Dean Melius, Minot, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on March 7, 2015 at the age of 74.

Dean was born November 2, 1940 in Minot, ND to Howard and Anna Mae (Sheets) Melius. He graduated from Minot High School in 1958. After graduation, he joined the National Guard and was called for active duty service during the Berlin Crisis. He then graduated from the North Dakota State College of Science - Wahpeton in 1961 with a degree in Architectural Drafting. He married Darlene Ehr, his high school sweetheart in 1962. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012. During his career, Dean was employed by Ira Rush & Associates, Thorsrud Supply Company, and Fargo Glass of Minot.

Dean was skilled at drawing and enjoyed projects at their lake cabin on Rice lake. He loved spending time at the lake. He was an avid hunter, bowler, golfer and even had a hole in one. Dean spent many hours researching his family\'s genealogy. He enjoyed time with family and friends and was often the life of the party.

Dean is survived by: his wife Darlene; children, Darla (Don) Erickson of Minot, Lynda (Bruce) Langseth of Minot, Michael (Jodi) Melius of Rochester, MN, Amy (Jamie) Bergan of Minot; 9 grandchildren, Drew Erickson, Ethan Erickson, Layton Erickson, Hunter Langseth, Forrest Langseth, Grant Langseth, Rylee Melius, Sophie Melius, and Gracyn Bergan; sister Donna Rennie of San Antonio, TX, brother Sidney Melius of West Hartford, CT; sister, Sharol Durrenberger of Niceville, FL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Anna Mae Melius, brothers Gary and Dennis Melius.

Dean\'s children would like to thank their mother for the loving care she provided to their father, which allowed him to spend his final days at home surrounded by his loved ones.

A celebration of Dean\'s life: Thursday March 12th from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. at Holiday Inn Riverside, with a "Program of Memories" beginning at 7:00 p.m.

A private family service: to be scheduled for later in St. Leo's The Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the American Lung Association.