In Remembrance

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Melvin D DeBettignies

July 17, 1935 - August 16, 2020

U.S. Veteran

Service Date August 26, 2020

Gathering of family and friends beginning at 9:30 AM on Wednesday August 26, 2020 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lawrence Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd, Duluth, MN.

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Melvin Duane DeBettignies , 85, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully at Diamond Willow of Proctor on August 16th, 2020.

Melvin was born on July 17, 1935 in New Hampton, IA to Sylvester and Evelyn (Hackman) DeBettignies. Shortly after High School graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force. After spending some time at Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY, he transferred to Duluth in December 1956. While stationed there he met Josephine, the love of his life, who he then married one year later and made Duluth his home. Following his military career, he worked at Fitger’s Brewery, Shopper’s City Grocery Dept. for many years and retired from Northwest Office Supply in 1991.

Throughout his entire life, family and friends were always the most important. Mel also enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting, watching sports, wintering many years in Mesa, AZ with Jo, and playing endless games of cards.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Josephine, his parents Sylvester and Evelyn.

He will be sadly missed by his daughters Nancy (Dave) Murphy, Karen (Bob) Dolsen, his son Mark (Michelle) DeBettignies, grandchildren Aubrey, Brody, Cody, Matt, Josh, and Noah, and great granddaughter Savannah, sister-in-law Maggie (Dave) Wilson, and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank-you to the staff at Diamond Willow and St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided.

Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no luncheon served. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Celebration of life will be live streamed on the YouTube Channel: Melvin Duane DeBettignies or you can use the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_F9YrGm02WDod8onfvcSmw