Obituary of Melvin Merton Stoddard

Melvin Merton Stoddard, 73, of Cloquet, passed away Wednesday June 23rd in St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. Born July 6th, 1947, in Culver, MN to Lorraine and Merton Stoddard. He attended and graduated from Albrook High School. Melvin proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war on the U.S.S Dubuque. He later worked at Potlatch for 26 years. On October 18, 1980, Melvin was married to Beverly Olesiak, and together they celebrated their 40th anniversary last year. Melvin loved his family and friends. He was a hardworking man who was always willing to lend a hand when needed. Melvin's greatest enjoyment in life was watching his grandchildren grow and attending their various sporting events and other activities. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dan Stoddard; sister, Susan Vanderwerff; and grandson, Scotty Stoddard. Melvin is survived by his wife, Beverly Stoddard; sister, Becky Johnson; six children, Tawney (Ron) Warren, Richard Stoddard, Wesley (Christal) Stoddard, Stephanie Stoddard, Troy (Amber) Stoddard, and Melanie (Chris) Trieschmann; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St, Cloquet. A luncheon will follow in the fireside room of the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth with Military Honors. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com