Funeral services for Melvin A. Larson of Albert Lea were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Curtis Zieske officiated. Visitation was held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery.

Military honors was accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans Groups.

Melvin passed away on Friday, April 15, 2005, at the Thornecrest Retirement Center in Albert Lea with his wife Virginia at his side. Melvin was born June 20, 1917, the son of Louis and Marie (Anderson) Larson in Monpelier, N.D., one of nine children. He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Monpelier, N.D. At the age of 5, Melvin moved to Minnesota with his family. He attended many country schools in Freeborn County and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1936.

Melvin farmed near Glenville before entering the Navy. He served his country on a LST in the South Pacific for two years. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he married Virginia Swenson in the parsonage at Trinity Lutheran Church on Dec. 27, 1947.

Melvin had worked several jobs in the area before starting at Wilson Foods in 1949 and retiring in 1979 after 30 years of service.

Melvin enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had a great talent for fine woodworking.

Survivors include his wife Virginia; sons Robert (Bob) and Steve, both of Albert Lea; grandchildren Danielle Wertman and husband Vince and children Kaitlyan, and Andrew, Matt Larson and special friend Christen Robertson and her son Riley, Amy Parnell and husband Charles and children Laura, Kelly and Ben of Shorewood, Nicole Hendrickson and husband Jon of Lakeland, Russ Peterson and special friend Stephanie Atchison of Shorewood; and one sister Lila Sorenson of Albert Lea.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; son Neil; brothers Elmer, Manford, Lars and Lester Larson; sisters Olivia Christianson, Lillian Hagen and Alyda Gilbertson.