Melvin Juntunen, age 92, of Rolla, ND passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake, ND.

Melvin Henry Juntunen was born on November 16, 1931 in Mount View Township, Towner County, ND to Charles and Olga (Carlson) Juntunen.  He was raised in Rolla, graduating from Rolla High School in 1950.  One week after graduating, Melvin came down with tuberculosis and spent two years at San Haven, Dunseith ND.  He furthered his education for one year at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.  After getting out he worked at Farmers Union in Rolla and then went to Seattle, where he worked at Boeing as a parts man for four years before returning to Rolla.  Melvin was united in marriage to Betty Lou Abrahamson on December 19, 1959 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Rolla. Together they raised five children, Janet, Valerie, Jeffrey, Saree, and Paul.  Melvin was a farmer for many years, retiring in 1995 while continuing to help out until 2017, as well as a carpenter, a jack of all trades, able to tinker with and fix almost anything.  He made the manger scenes at the church, numerous things for his grandchildren, and was never one to throw anything away.  Melvin had a strong faith and was a dedicated member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, volunteering with the Gideon's for 15 years and serving on the church board as president.  He was committed to his community, serving on the Farmer's Union Board, Township Chairman, and the Soil Conservation Board.  Melvin was also deeply dedicated to his family.  He and Betty Lou traveled extensively to visit family in Seattle, Washington, Omaha, Nebraska, Texas, Tennessee, Washington D.C., Minnesota, as well as celebrating his 90th birthday in Medora and a 60th Anniversary in Minneapolis, MN.  Melvin loved spending time with his family, his wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as they brought him so much joy.  The ice cream he insisted on for the grandkids, and himself, made for many happy memories together, as desserts were a favorite.  Melvin will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his family members and many friends.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Lou Juntunen of Rolla; children, Janet (James) Robinson of Kent, WA, Valerie (Tom) McCloud of Rolla, Jeffrey Juntunen of Omaha, NE, Saree (Kevin) Olson of Savage, MN, and Paul (Wendy) Juntunen of Rolla; eleven grandchildren, Tom (Brooke) McCloud, Matt (Shelby) McCloud, Kelly (Mike) Mickelson, Jennifer (Rob) Thompson, Heather Juntunen, Darian (Don) Setiawan, Savanna Olson, Spencer Olson, Jadyn Juntunen, Haley Juntunen, and Kylie Juntunen; 12 great grandchildren, Isaac, Charleigh, Kinley, and Caleb McCloud, Mason, Tucker, and Madyn Mickelson, Abigail McCloud, Zackary and Calleigh Thompson, and Bella and Ojani Brown; brother, Dale Juntunen of Rolla; and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Olga Juntunen and siblings, Eileen Herrala, Reno Juntunen, Hazel Koistinen, Carlo Juntunen, Roy Juntunen, Clarence Juntunen, Helen Halvorson, and Freddie Juntunen.

Honorary Bearers are all family and friends.  Music by John Halone.

A Family gathering will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 5:30 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rolla, ND.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rolla, ND with Pastor Nicholas Rohde officiating. Burial will be in the Finnish Apostolic Cemetery, Towner County, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.