Melvin D. Boeshans, 74, Minot, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Melvin was born October 24, 1937, to Fred and Sophie (Traxel) Boeshans, on the family farm located north of Golden Valley. Following a move to town, he graduated from Golden Valley High School in 1956.

Melvin attended Dickinson State College. He completed two years, but left early to fill a teaching position near Golden Valley. He also taught for a term in Elgin, ND.

Melvin was joined in marriage to Marie Buschbacher on September 3, 1957. They moved to Mandan in 1959. Melvin worked for Gambles, Inc., until taking a job at John Iverson Company in Minot in the fall of 1961. He worked as a purchasing agent for the company for 33 years until his retirement in January 1994

Melvin and Marie enjoyed many trips throughout the US and also traveled to Africa and Europe. Winters were spent in Mesa, AZ, for the past 16 years. Melvin held offices in the Loyal Order of the Moose in Minot and served as Sergeant Of Arms on the Ritual Team. He could also be found shooting a game of pool, while attending activities there.

Melvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Melvin's loving family includes his wife of 54 years, Marie, Minot; children, Gregory Boeshans, Beaverton, OR Diane (Roy) Lutz, Ruthville, ND, Jeffrey Boeshans, Richmond, VA, and Brian Boeshans, Minot; grandchildren, Joshua (Nicole Perkins) Berdahl, Glenburn, Christopher (Amy Essig) Berdahl, Towner, ND, and Shelby and Hydee Boeshans, Richmond, VA; great-grandson, Braxton Berdahl, Glenburn, and several aunts and many cousins.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: 3:00 p.m. (CST) Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Golden Valley, ND

Visitation: Monday, June 18, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice, American Cancer Society or to an organization of the donor's choice.