Melvin Henry Klyve

Melvin H. Klyve passed away June 19, 2023, at age 98.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023, followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Swift Falls, Minnesota. There will be a private internment at a later date. Memorials can be made in Mel Klyve’s memory to the Benson Golf Club’s cart path project.

Melvin was born December 1, 1924, on the family farm in Rolling Forks Township, Pope County, Minnesota. He was the fourth of five children born to Norwegian immigrants John and Magnhild (Libak) Klyve.

Mel attended country school at Rolling Forks School. As the youngest boy, he did not have to serve in WWII. During the war, he left school and worked on the farm with his dad. After the war, he worked in road construction for a summer and was hired by Agralite. He worked and studied to become a journeyman lineman and worked at Agralite for nearly 40 years.

He was married to Marlys T. Fennell at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, Minnesota, November 22, 1952. They had two sons, William and Thomas.

Mel enjoyed the many trips he took to hunt and fish. Along with some partners, he owned 80 acres with a hunting shack in northern Minnesota that gave those guys lots of material for endless stories for many years. Other sports adventures included hunting and fishing trips to Canada, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Lake Michigan. Mel and his brother Arne visited relatives in Norway, and he talked about that trip often. Mel and Marlys enjoyed travelling. They visited Europe, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, California, the northeast states, a Caribbean cruise, and 17 winters in Lake Havasu City where many golf swings and friendships were made.

In his notes for this obituary, he wrote to be sure and thank their very good friends Donna and Darold Martin for the many trips to their cabin up at ‘The Angle.’ The trips were great fun, and the fishing was so good.

Mel was a member of the Benson Golf Club for 50 years. He loved to play golf and spent many years playing in the club tournaments. In addition to being a part of the golf club, he enjoyed serving the community as a member of the Lions, the Shriners, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Eagles Club.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Marlys Klyve, his parents, John and Magnhild Klyve, his siblings and their spouses: Harry (Gaye) Klyve, Arne (Jeanette) Klyve, Myrtle (Palmer) Arness, Gladys Klyve, and daughter-in-law Mrs. Bill (Debbie Daniels) Klyve.

He is survived by their two sons, Bill Klyve of Morris and Tom (Joyce Mahler) Klyve of Detroit Lakes; his grandchildren: Dominic (Allyson) Klyve, Danika (Matt) Peterson, Mike (Sarah) Klyve, Liz (Kyle) Waterman, Chris (Dawn) Daniels, Brad (Marie) Daniels, and great grandchildren:  Liam Klyve, Emery Klyve, Sloan Peterson, Eleanor Klyve, Greta Klyve, Taylor Waterman, Emily Daniels, Alison Daniels, Dan Daniels, Logan Daniels, Gage Daniels, and many nieces and nephews.

Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family.