Melvin “Mel” Larson, age 76, of 1205 Washington Avenue; Escanaba, died Thursday morning, May 11th, 2006 at his son’s home, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin following a lengthy illness.

Mel was born November 13th, 1928 in Gladstone to parents of Swedish heritage, Harvey and Esther (Peterson) Larson attended Gladstone Schools and was a 1947 graduated of the Gladstone High School.

In his early working years, he was employed as the manager at the A&P Store in Gladstone and later continued his work as the manger of the Red Owl Store in the Delta Plaza in Escanaba for a number of years. He retired from the from Mead Paper (New Page) age 62 following 11 years of service with that company.

In addition, Mel served his country for  many years with the Army National Guard reserve.
On October 9th, 1948, he married the former Beverly L. Goodreau, at the First United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Together, Bev and Mel made their home in Escanaba and in 1952, the couple constructed their new residence on Washington Avenue where they resided and raised their family. Bev passed away on March 28th of this year.

Mel and Bev always enjoyed their life together and loved to travel throughout the United States.
Mel was a devout member of the First United Methodist Church of Escanaba, and a member of the Delta County Swedish Club, Gladstone Yacht Club, and the Musician Union Local. He had a life-long love of music and his proud membership in the “Mel-o-Notes Band” for the previous 35 years. Additionally, Mel could always be counted upon to bring enjoyment to family and friends on many occasions with his musical ability with the organ, piano, and accordion.  He was ready at any time to entertain at the monthly Swedish Club meetings. His family fondly remembers the playing of his musical instruments for his wife and other patients at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba and at the nursing home in Sheboygan during her illness.       

Melvin Larson’s survivors include:

1 Son- Greg (Joan) Larson of Sheboygan, WI

1 Daughter-in-law; Abbi Larson of Gladstone

8 Grandchildren-Charla (John) Menard, Joshua Larson, Sarah Larson, Jacque Cavanaugh, Joseph Cavanaugh, Jerica Cavanaugh, all of Sheboygan; Kalan (Kay) Larson of Chapel, N.C., and Brittany Larson of Gladstone

1 Brother-in-law; Tom Bell, Sr. of Brampton

and by 2 nieces, 1 nephew, and numerous cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife of 57 years, Bev, he was preceded in death a son, Blane Larson, in December of 2004 and by sisters-in-law, Jackie Bell and Joy Butz

The family of Melvin Larson will receive friends on Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Escanaba from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Services celebrating Mel’s life will follow on Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church 5:30 p.m. with Rev. Mary Laub officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Committal will be on Wednesday at 10:00  A.M. in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

The family respectfully requests memorial be directed to Delta County Cancer Alliance or the First United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church. 

The Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home of Escanaba is assisting the Larson family.