Dr. Melvin 0. Sletten was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, July 29, 2004, surrounded by his family, at the age of 96.

Melvin was born in Ortley, S.D., March 26, 1908. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1926. In 1929 he enrolled at the University of

Minnesota and graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1935. He practiced dentistry in Madison, Minn., from July 15, 1935 until Aug. 1, 1980. The only interruption came during World War II when he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946. He practiced general dentistry from 1935 to 1947 and, thereafter, limited his practice to orthodontics.

Melvin was preceded in death by parents: Rasmus Carl and Lena Sletten; brothers: Orwal and Julian; sister, Clara; wife, Alice, of 47 years; and granddaughter, Wendy Lyn Sletten.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 17 years, Joanne; son, Wayne and Jackie of Albert Lea; son, Paul and Ruth of Aurora, Colo.; and daughter, Eileen and John Quello of Sioux Falls, S.D. Stepchildren are: Chris Jeatran and Steve, Nancy Jacobson and Jeff, and Peter Jacobson and LuAnn. He is also survived by grandchildren: Mark Sletten, Paul Sletten and Christina, Jill Marie Streich and Steve, Daniel Sletten and Jennifer, Jeff Sletten and Holly, Pamela Sletten, Sara Goldstrand and Lee, and Nathan Quello and Susan. Step-grandchildren include: Josh and Molly Jeatran, Luke and Leah Jacobson, and Ashley and Dillon Savary. Great-grandchildren are Paul, Sydne and Greta Streich, Anna, Ingrid and Kaia Goldstrand, Kari, Luke and Jack Sletten, Jacob and Anders Sletten, and Brita Quello.

Melvin was very involved in organized dentistry. He served as follows: member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Minnesota Dental Association as vice president, president of the

West Central District Dental Society, University of Minnesota Dental Alumni Association, Minnesota Society of Orthodontists, Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontists, Fellow of International College of Dentists, and &uot;Guest of Honor” for the annual meeting of the Minnesota Dental Association in 1984.

Dr. Sletten also took an active interest in the Madison community where he lived. He served as president of Faith Lutheran Church. He represented the S.W. Minnesota District of the American Lutheran Church Council from 1970 to 1978.

He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Masonic Lodge 196, and Zurah Shrine, president of Kiwanis Club, Madison Hospital Association, received the Silver Beaver Leadership Award from Boy Scouts of America for 28 years of leadership service, and the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 1976.

His hobbies included golf, fishing, hunting, jewelry making, and travel, reading his &uot;Portals of Prayer,&uot; and reciting the 23rd Psalm and Lord’s Prayer daily with his beloved wife and family.

Mel brought smiles to thousands of patients, family, and friend with his orthodontia and his sense of humor. He dearly looked forward to the visits of his 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and his nine maintenance hugs per day.

A memorial service will be at Faith Lutheran Church, Madison, Minn., Friday Aug. 6, at 1 p.m.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Concordia College, Moorhead, Luther Seminary, or Maple Grove Lutheran Church.