Laurence Mellang

Laurence Solven Mellang 92, Aberdeen, SD formerly of Ellendale, ND died July 15 at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen. He was born to Anton and Cora (Strand) Mellang April 29, 1925 on the Mellang family farm on the ND-SD State Line, Palmyra Township, Brown County, SD. Laurence was the grandson of Norwegian immigrants, Syvert & Helena Strand and Gilbert & Nellie (Johnson) Mellang. He was the only son and third of four children. His sisters are Vivian, Irene and Nona. Laurence was baptized at the family church, Aurdal Lutheran Church near Forbes, ND and confirmed at St. Paul's in Frederick, SD. In 1963, Laurence became a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Ellendale after the Aurdal-Christ the King merger. Laurence attended elementary school at the family's Strand School and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1943. He farmed with his parents on the State Line, running a dairy operation and raising hogs and chickens. During this time he served as Secretary on the Palmyra Township Board and Secretary of Christ the King Church Council. In 1954, Laurence began working part-time for Holte Funeral Home in Ellendale, Ashley & Edgeley. Later, he continued in the funeral home industry through employment with Hoven Funeral Chapel. Laurence retired from that line of work at age of 85. Music was Laurence's passion. He played the accordion, piano and organ by ear and was active as a vocalist in the community and many family celebrations. While living in San Diego, CA in 1950, he was a featured vocalist accompanied by the San Diego Symphony. Laurence also sang once with Frank Scott (a member of the Lawrence Welk orchestra) as his accompanist. Laurence also enjoyed art, photography, traveling, and nature. The Mellang family yard was very important to him and he kept it in pristine condition. Life with his sisters and many cousins included frequent barn dances, house parties, hayrides and picnics. Laurence is survived by his sisters: Irene Mellang & Nona Mellang Brauer both of Aberdeen, SD; seven nieces and nephews and their families: James (Sheila) Brauer, Ellendale, ND, Pamela (Dean) O'Brien, Emory, Tx, Diane (Patrick) Day, Buffalo, MN, Jill (David) Determan, Grey Eagle, MN, Cathy Lee, Fargo, ND, Bradley (Lisa) Schimke, Garden City, KS, Craig (Shawna) Schimke, Edmond, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents Anton & Cora (Strand) Mellang; sister: Vivian Mellang Schimke; brothers-in-law: Ellwood Schimke and Edwin R. Brauer; nephew Calvin Schimke and great-grandnephew: Connor Cash. The funeral service is 2pm Thursday, July 20 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Galen Sylvester officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.