Melvin Theodore Kanten

Melvin Kanten, 91, of Montevideo, died September 22, 1996 at the Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo, MN.

Funeral services were held Thursday, September 26, at 1:30 P.M. at Big Bend Lutheran Church.  Rev. Kathryn Rothman  officiated and interment was in the church cemetery.

Melvin Theodore Kanten was born December 23, 1904 on a farm in Big Bend Township, Chippewa County, MN the son of Christ and Susanna (Haugland) Kanten.  He was baptized by Rev. O.E. Solseth and confirmed by Rev. Theo Berge at Big Bend Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member.  Melvin graduated from Montevideo High School and the School of Agriculture in St. Paul.  He was united in marriage with Lovina Gilsrud on May 22, 1935 in Mandt Township. They farmed in Big Bend Township, Chippewa County, MN until retiring.  In 1990 they moved into Montevideo.  Melvin was the District #35 School Board Treasurer for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Lovina; one son, Michael and his wife Twyla of Milan, MN; three daughters: Diane Berven and her husband David of Milan, MN, Jeanne Gabbert and her husband Donald of Granite Falls, MN, and Cheri Dvorak and her husband Neil of Milan, MN; 14 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; nine brothers and sisters; and one foster sister.