Melvin Chalstrom, of Princeton, died January 25, 2014 at the Elim Home in Princeton. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, February 2nd at Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo with Pastor Sarah Bunge officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Sunday at the church and also from 3:00 -7:00 P.M. Saturday, February 1st at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Melvin Eugene Chalstrom was born August 24, 1923 in St Francis, Minnesota to Axel and Ruth (Solberg) Chalstrom. He grew up on the family farm near Dalbo, attended primary school nearby, and graduated from Princeton High School. On September 10, 1949 Melvin and Bonnie Northway were married in a candle light ceremony at the West Branch Lutheran Church near Long Siding, MN. In 1959, Melvin took a job driving truck for the Northwestern Casket Company in Minneapolis and bought a home for the family in Columbia Heights. Melvin had a successful career at Northwestern and was promoted to manage production for the entire factory. The family farm continued to play a central role in the family’s life and in 1987 Melvin and Bonnie retired and took up residence there once again. As a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo, Melvin served the church in many ways, including management of construction of a large fellowship hall. Melvin was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Friends and neighbors appreciated the helping hand that Melvin was quick to lend. Fishing and hunting were a favorite pastime. Gardening was another special passion and relatives and friends frequently enjoyed the bountiful produce.
Melvin Chalstrom passed away January 25, 2014 at the Elim Home in Princeton at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 1 day. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Lindgren and Carol Manke.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Princeton; three children, Robert (Joyce) Chalstrom of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jean (Mike) Selan of Fort Collins, Colorado, and David (Theresa) Chalstrom of Princeton; three grandchildren, Chris Chalstrom, Ryan (Cori) Chalstrom, and Jocelyn Selan; great-granddaughter, Amanda (Ryan and Cori’s daughter); and by many other relatives and friends.
Our sympathy to Chalstrom family.
I went to Bible study with Melvin. we shared our Beliefs in God and family. I have total respect for Melvin and i considered him a good man and friend. i will miss him and look forward to seeing him when God brings me home.
Marty Babb
My deepest sympathy to Melvin’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing him at The Elim Home and thought he was always so delightful. He had such a great smile that would melt your heart. I pray that Bonnie will be alright without him by her side. His friends at Elim will miss him.
Melvin was such a kind and sweet man. He will be missed. I will think about him every time I look out to the bird house he made for us. So thoughtful. I know he is up in heaven sharing stories with Uncle Jimmy. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
As a chaplain at Elim, I had the pleasure of visiting frequently with Mel. He always had a big smile and pleasant attitude. We especially enjoyed recapping the Twins games the day after. Mel had a deep faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As much as I and many of his friends and staff at Elim will miss him, we rejoice in having known Mel. He always had an eye open for his beloved wife, Bonnie. And he loved each of his children and was so proud of them.
Due to other commitments this weekend, I’m sorry that I cannot attend the services, but I pray God’s blessings upon each of you in the family for His peace and comfort.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Melvin. I have known him for many years. He was always such a pleasure to be around. I had visited Melvin several times at the Elim Home and he was always glad to see me. Melvin was a very faithful servant to the Lord. In the later years of his life he and Bonnie could barely walk but they would always come to church at Salem in Dalbo. I know he missed being able to come to Church at Salem the last few years but he said they always went to the Chapel service at the Elim Home. Melvin will be missed by everyone who knew him. I extend my sympathy to Bonnie and the family.