Pastor Mellgren

Dale Allen Mellgren, 68, passed into the loving arms of his Savior after a courageous struggle with severe clinical depression. His mind was overwhelmed, but his heart and soul belonged to his Redeemer, who ransomed him Friday, September 27.Dale was born July 29, 1945, in Benson, MN, to Oscar Francis and Lillian Alvina (Johnson) Mellgren. As the youngest of eleven children, he was nearly always the recipient of pranks, but soon learned to be a champion prankster himself, a trait which he demonstrated for the rest of his life.After serving in the Vietnam War, Dale married Mary Thonvold on February 8, 1969. Shortly after, he answered the call to be a shepherd of men. Over his lifetime he served at a three-point parish in Abercrombie ND, a church in Kalispell MT, Tioga ND, Spokane WA, and finally a two-point parish in McIntosh MN. His ministry was defined by his kind and compassionate care of the flocks entrusted to him by the Lord. He was a humble servant ever aware of his need for the grace of God.Dale was a loyal husband, a faithful provider, a selfless and generous father, a playful and adoring grandfather, and a constant and conscientious shepherd. All of those he cherished knew and felt his great love for them.Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, of McIntosh, MN, his daughters Alison (Jeremy) Opdahl, also from McIntosh, Janelle Mellgren of Bloomington, MN, and Cassie (Kevin) Subbert, of St. Louis Park, MN, and his precious granddaughters, Dinah Opdahl, and Ella and Rosie Subbert, brothers Merle Mellgren of Watertown, MN, Gene (Ethel) Mellgren of St. Louis Park, MN, and Dean (Karen) Mellgren of Murdock, MN, and sisters Tiny (Wayne) Estby of Delano, MN, and Connie (Gordy) Peterson of Kerkhoven, MN, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lillian Mellgren, brothers Alfred and Dennis, sisters Vivian Osterbauer, Delores Krattenmaker and Eleanor Mellgren. Blessed be his memory. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd at 1:00 PM at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fosston, MN with Pastor Bruce Dalager officiating.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 1st from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with an 8:00 PM prayer service at Calvary Free Lutheran Church.  There will also be reviewal for one hour before the funeral at the church on Wednesday.  All services are at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fosston.  Interment will be at Trinity Free Lutheran Cemetery, rural McIntosh and the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home serving McIntosh is in charge of the arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be sent to carlinhoialmen.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the H.I.S. Fund (Help In Service) at AFLC, HIS Fund, 3110 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., Minneapolis, MN.  55441.