Obituary of Melvin Francis Stene

STENE - Mr. Melvin Francis 1919-2010 Melvin Francis Stene late of Shellbrook passed away on February 19, 2010 at the age of 90 years. Mel was born to Carl and Anna Stene on Feb. 24, 1919, at his home south of Shellbrook. Melvin would have been 91 years young on the date of his funeral. He was the fourth youngest in a family of 11. Mel attended Hazel Ridge School, and from the age of 15 he worked for farmers in the area sometimes for as little as five dollars a month plus board. Walking to work and to town, sometimes getting home just in time to change clothes and walk to work. On November 12, 1941 he married Vera Souch. They had 3 children, Elaine, Wayne and Linda. They lived on the Carl Stene farm the first winter, and in the spring of 1942 moved into a home they renovated together. Mel joined the army in the fall of 1942 and left for training on Nov. 15, 1942, just three days after their first wedding anniversary. He went overseas with the South Sask. Regiment and was in Germany when peace was declared. He returned in Nov. 1945 and was discharged in Feb. 1946. In 1947 they purchased their first quarter of land and moved a house on it in 1951, and in 1967 they built a new house and later in 1978 they moved to town. They got their first car in 1949 and they didn't get power to the house until 1961.Melvin lost his best friend and love after 48 years of marriage on Dec. 7, 1989. This was a very difficult time for him. Melvin gave to his community; he served on the Parkview school board for a number of years and was a lifetime member of the Fish and Game club and the Elk's club. Mel was an avid fisherman and hunter; he could spend long hours watching the deer down in the pasture. In 1952 he took over managing the community pasture. Melvin loved his farm; he raised chickens, pigs and milked cows and grew different crops. After 52 years he quit the pasture at the age of 85 and had to give up his quad due to health reasons. Mel was a simple man with simple pleasures. A good day for Melvin was one that was spent with family and friends, over a Kokanee. Melvin will be survived by his children Elaine Perkins (Ken); Wayne (Sheana) Stene; Linda Stene; his grandchildren and great grandchildren Morley (Karen) Rudolph and children Christopher & Jamie; Corina perkins (Dave) & daughter Jacy Perkins (Jason) & their daughter Janaya; Arlette (Terry) Segberg & sons Jory & Brandon; Gary (Carrie) Stene & children Caitlin, Adam, Christina & Sarah; Darin (Tina) Stene and children Logan & Kasandra; Tanya Stene (Gerald) & children Denver, Morgan, Brittany & Gerald Jr; Todd (Maxine) Dewhurst & children Karli & Braden; Tyler (Duane) Dewhurst &son Bodie; his brothers casper (Bernice) Stene; Roy Stene. Melvin was predeceased by his loving wife Vera (nee:Souch) Stene; his parents Anna & Carl Stene; his sisters Bertha, Mabel, Cora, Vera & their spouces; his brothers Oscar, Elmer, Lloyd, Art & their spouces. The Funeral Service for Melvin took place on Wed. Feb. 24, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Knox United Church in Shellbrook. Pastor Dave Whalley was officiant, Morley Rudolph read the eulogy, Albert Hannigan was a reader, and the Ordale Singers led the hymns. The Elk's and Royal Purple served as an honor guard, pallbearers were Morley Rudolph, Gary Stene, Todd Dewhurst, Darin Stene, Tyler Dewhurst and Ed Sokolowski, interment took place in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Prince Albert. Memorial Donations may be made to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Project.