Melvin L. Ona, 88, of Duluth, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2007 in his home. He was born on Oct. 30, 1918 in Michigan, N.D. to Ludvig and Helga Ona. He was a graduate of Thief River Falls High School and the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis. Mel was a United States Army Veteran having served during World War II. On Feb. 18, 1955 he married Maxine Dryden in Duluth. Mel had previously been co-owner/operator of the Central Avenue Cabinet Shop and went on to future employment with St. Luke's Hospital for 15 years in the Maintenance Department., where he had duties such as carpenter, locksmith and painter, retiring in the early 1980's. He was a Member of Asbury United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir, and serving on various committees. He was a member of the Duluth Horseshoe Club, an avid golfer and bowler and he also enjoyed camping and fishing. His musical talents also included playing the harmonica and violin. He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine in 2001; brothers, Art, Tom, Albert and Elmer. He is survived by his two children, Nancy (John) Eliason and Ron Ona, both of Duluth; a sister, Anna Hestad of Thief River Falls; sister- in-law, Clarice Ona of Edina; three grandchildren, Mike (Betsy) Eliason of Duluth; Dianne (Tim) Piepenburg of Prior Lake; and Katrina Ona of Florida; five great-grandchildren, Kayla Grell, Nikole Eliason, Collin Piepenburg and twins, McKenzi and Maddison Piepenburg. Memorials are preferred to Asbury United Methodist Church Choir Fund. VISITATION:5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the Bell Brothers Funeral Home, and continue from 11 a.m. to the 12 p.m. funeral service Wednesday, March 21 at Asbury United Methodist Church. The Rev. Sharon Kay Rigby-Osborn officiating. Interment in Oneota Cemetery.
Published in the Duluth News Tribune on 3/18/2007.