Vernon K. Melgard

Vernon K. Melgard, 93, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota and formerly of Coon Valley, died Saturday January 13, 2024 at Birchwood Senior Living in Forest Lake, Minnesota. He was born August 4, 1930 to LeRoy and Ruth (Ambrosen) Melgard in La Crosse. He graduated from Cashton High School in 1948. Vernon served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He married Lenore Anderson on November 8, 1951 in Red Wing, Minnesota. The couple lived most of their married life in St. Paul, Minnesota. Vernon worked at the St. Paul Water Department for many years, retiring in 1994. He loved old cars, hunting, fishing and camping.

Survivors include, 2 sons, Steve (Janice) of St. Paul, MN and Michael (Pat Gillen) of Scandia, MN; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeff) Bloedorn, Karen Melgard, Tracy (Scott) Steele, Kari and Amy Conroy; 14 great grandchildren, Emma, Luke, Lilly, Ardun, Mason, Alaina, Emmett, Anthony, Blake, Mya, Mariah, Jaycee, Jaida and Gabriella; a sister, Yvonne Hale and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Lenore.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Saturday January 20, 2024 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Jim Scaife will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.