Edwin Harley Mellstrom

Ed died peacefully on January 26, 2017 at Pathstone Hospice, Mankato.  Born on June 23, 1928, in Salol, Minnesota, he attended school in Salol and Roseau, Minnesota, graduating in 1946 as a member of the Minnesota State Championship hockey team.  Ed began service with the United States Army in Germany during the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1952.

After earning a B.S. at St. Cloud State Teachers College, Ed began teaching in Pine City, MN, in 1955.   In 1958, Ed earned his M. Ed. at the University of North Dakota and then served as principal of Clarissa High School (MN) for two years.  He resumed teaching math in 1960 in Mankato School District 77 for the next 30 years at North Mankato and Mankato West Junior High Schools. After retiring from teaching middle school math, he continued teaching part-time at South Central Technical College from 1992-1995. 

Besides being an educator, Ed was physically active and had a great sense of humor and a rich social life.  He enjoyed coaching and playing hockey, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles, coffee with friends, and road trips and camping with his family. As a volunteer, he served at Grace Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, council member, and on many committees. Ed helped bring the hockey stadium to Mankato and volunteered for the Boy Scouts and many other community organizations.  Ed was a very involved father and later enjoyed his twelve grandchildren immensely. His marriage to Jean extended over 61 years of devotion to her and to their family. Ed will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, teacher and friend.

Ed is survived by Beatrice “Jean” Mellstrom, loving wife of 61 years; his children, Mark (Kathy) of Northfield, MN, Brian (Holly) of Pelham, NY, Greg (Elizabeth) of Sykesville, MD, Kristin (Kevin Schluender) of St. Paul, MN, and Jay (Shahzia Pirani-Mellstrom) of Brooklyn, NY; and grandchildren, Sarah, Rebecca, Daniel (Gabrielle), Mara, Neil, David, Matthew, Lauren, Isabelle, Ava, Rabia, and Meera.  He is also survived by sister-in-law, Nola; brothers-in-law, Bill (Mary Anne) Beckman, Gary (Roxanne) Vierkant, and Doug (Linda) Vierkant, David Wistrand; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas Manfred Mellstrom and Anne Marie Kveen Mellstrom; brothers, Levern, Stanley, and Erling; sister, Helen Sorum; parents-in-law, Ernest and Luella Vierkant; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Wistrand.

Funeral services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church (320 E. Main Street, Mankato, MN 56001) at 11 am on Saturday, February 4, 2017.  Visitation will be held two hours before the service, with a luncheon to follow.  Private interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, Pathstone, or donor’s choice.