To view a video photo tribute access: https://vimeo.com/707051018/0b5dd81144
To view the flowers from Melva’s service, click here: Melva Putnam Flowers
Melva Jean Putnam, 85, Minot, formerly of Alsen, ND died Saturday, April 30, 2022, in a Minot Care Center.
Melva Jean Putnam was born to Frank and Louise Loewen Pankratz of Alsen, ND on June 19, 1936. She attended school in Alsen and graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1953. She would go on to marry her high school sweetheart, Charles William (Bill) Putnam later that summer.
Melva’s greatest accomplishment was her family. She was a godly wife and mother. She devoted herself to caring for her husband Bill and did it faithfully. Melva was an excellent homemaker. She loved baking and cooking and entertained many guests through the years. She stated many times over the years how much she loved being in her home.
Melva was an expert seamstress. She learned to sew in 4-H club. She sewed clothing for her girls until they were 14 years of age, including their wedding dresses. She sewed the majority of her own clothing as well. She also made linens and fun clothing for her grandchildren. Melva loved setting jigsaw puzzles, sending birthday cards & letters and was a good communicator.
Melva enjoyed traveling with Bill as they ministered to people across the US and Canada. She sang and played bass guitar alongside Bill with his guitar. She had a beautiful alto voice that blended with Bill so well. Melva was able to sing harmony with her family members up until a month ago. She especially had a love for older hymns. She learned to sing them as a young girl with her sister Joan in church services.
Her children include son, Gene (Cynthia) & three children and families, daughter, LaVonne Hamre (Mark) & three children and their families. Their youngest daughter, Beckie Putnam and two children and their families. Melva delighted in eight grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. She enjoyed tea parties, playing games, treating them to an in-home movie, hot chocolate, pizza parties and sleepovers. She was a doting grandmother; She is also survived by her sister Karen Larson (husband Elmon) Omaha, NE, sisters-in-law Linda Pankratz, Minot and Francis Page of Los Angeles, CA. Melva had many dear nieces, nephews and lost many special cousins and great friends along her life’s way.
Melva was proceeded in death by her husband, Bill of 67 years and siblings, Orlin Pankratz, sister, Joan Scott & brother-in-law, Walter.
God bless your memory Mom💗
Celebration of Life service: Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Alsen Cemetery, Alsen, North Dakota
Visitation: Friday, May 6, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
