Melvin J. Fauchald passed on January 9, 2015, at the age of 89, in Grand Rapids, MN. His loving wife, Margaret Quist Thomas Fauchald, followed him home on January 31, 2015, at the age of 90, in Bemidji, MN, after an acute illness and a broken heart.

Mel ("J" as Margaret called him) and Margaret were married for 63 glorious years and raised three children, Thomas Harlan Fauchald of Bemidji, Melissa Grace Myers, married to Warren Myers of Issaquah, WA, and Betsy Lydia Whicker, married to Robert Whicker of Anchorage, AK, and Eloy, AZ. Melvin and Margaret left a legacy of 7 grandchildren (Andrew Myers, Carly Simon, and Gretchen Rohrbaugh, Sarah and Cale Whicker, Erica and Ben Fauchald), 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends across the United States.

Melvin was born in Minot, ND, on June 24, 1925 to Melvin and Grace (Burgess) Fauchald. Margaret was born in Minneapolis, MN, on October 4, 1924 to Ben and Lydia (Quist) Thomas. Melvin's family emigrated from Norway and started the Fauchald Holding Company that evolved into the Fauchald Store, later known as the New York store in Minot, North Dakota. Upon his return from World War I, Margaret's father, Ben Thomas, began the Thomas Family Funeral Home, also in Minot. Melvin and Margaret both grew up in Minot, and played in the high school band together, Margaret on piccolo and Mel on tuba. Melvin served in the Navy during World War II, in the Pacific Theater. Margaret taught school in California and North Dakota. They were married on June 7, 1952. Their life adventures took their family to Montana, California, and Colorado, where Mel worked as a vice president of Chubb Insurance Company. The Fauchald's later lived in Wyoming and Montana before retiring in Bemidji in the early 1990s. Mel and Margaret were always up for road trips to visit family and friends. Their love for life and people created friendships wherever they went.

Mel and Margaret were active in their faith and involved in church communities throughout their lives, and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bemidji. Margaret was a member of P.E.O. for 63 years, and Mel was a member of Weston Masonic Lodge #22 Littleton, Colorado, Elkanah Commandery #30 Bemidji, and AAD Shrine Temple Duluth. They were always generous and lived to serve others. Together, they were best friends, devoted to each other as partners in life. Their strong dedication to family and the Lord served as a model for their children and is the legacy they leave.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Margaret is survived by her siblings, Marian (Bill) Poe, Florissant, MO, and Richard B. Thomas, Minot, ND, and sister-in-law, Lorraine Thomas, Minot, ND.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Lydia (Quist) Thomas, step mother, Pearl Nichol Thomas, husband, Melvin, brother, John W. Thomas and sister-in-law, Grace Thomas.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty (Harlan) Shores.

Memorial service : Thursday, June 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friends may sign the memorial register book on Wednesday, June 24th from Noon-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or a specific memorial, please donate to the charity of your choice.