Melvin Christian Aaberg, 90

Melvin Christian Aaberg, 90, passed away in St. George, Utah, on May 28, 2005.

Military graveside rites will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2005, in the Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls, Idaho. The Post Falls American Legion post will conduct the services.

Melvin was born Dec. 4, 1914, in Northome, Minn., the son of Arne and Emma Aaberg. In 1937, he earned his bachelor of science degree in forestry from the University of Minnesota. He worked for the Forest Service in the blister rust camp at Priest Lake, Idaho.

He married Marion Ellen Long of Priest River.

On Oct. 28, 1942, he joined the U.S. Army, serving as a first lieutenant with the 133rd Engineer Combat Battalion. He fought in battles in Rhineland, Normandy and northern France, receiving the Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars.

In July 1946, following his discharge, he became a forester for the U.S. Forest Service on the Kaniksu National Forest. He became the assistant ranger at Deer Lodge, Mont., and then district ranger on the Rock Creek District, Custer National Forest, in Red Lodge, Mont. He also served as district ranger in Riggins, Idaho and in Kingston, Idaho, retiring in 1972.

Following retirement, he lived in Coeur d'Alene, St. Maries and Post Falls, moving to Sandpoint in 1985. He enjoyed fishing for kokanee and kamloops, duck and goose hunting, elk hunting, huckleberry picking, being in the forest and outdoors.

He is survived by his daughter, Virginia and Glen Oliver of Sandpoint; four grandchildren, Charles Oliver of Ponderay, Idaho, Kelly Oliver of Nashville, Tenn., Ruth McGillic of Colfax, Wash., and Moneca Jardey of Bellevue, Wash.; and two great-grandchildren, Tolor and Meriah Jardey of Bellevue.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marion; two brothers, Carl and Walter; and a sister, Ann.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.