Melvin J. Bense, Long Prairie, 90

February 4, 1924 - August 11, 2014

Funeral Services will be at 11 am, Friday, August 15, 2014 at Peace United Church in Long Prairie for Melvin J. Bense, age 90, who passed away on Monday at CentraCare Health Systems – Long Prairie. Rev. Gary Taylor will officiate and burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery with military honors provided by the Long Prairie Combined Honor Guard. Family and friends may call from 4-8 pm Thursday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home – Stein Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Melvin John Bense was born February 4, 1924 in Round Prairie Township, Todd County, Minnesota, the son of Chris and Minnie (Scheve) Bense. He grew up in the Long Prairie area and graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1941. He worked as a store clerk at various stores in Long Prairie. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 and served until Honorably Discharged in 1946. He became Deputy County Auditor in 1960 and served in that position until being elected County Auditor in 1974. He was re-elected in 1978 & 1982 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1986.

Melvin was a member of Zion United Church of Christ until its merger into Peace United Church. At Zion, he served in numerous positions, including being church treasure for many years. He was also Past Commander of the Long Prairie American Legion Post No. 12, where he was a member for 60 years. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards, feeding and caring for the birds, and his Sunday afternoon rides in the country.

Melvin is survived by his sons, Larry Bense, Coon Rapids; and Kevin (Julene) Bense, Elk River; and three grandchildren, Sarah, Abigail, and Molly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth, son Brian Todd, granddaughter Allison Bense, brothers Albert, Henry, and Hubert, and sisters, Louise Anderson and Irene Drager.

Casket bearers will be Bob Lunser, Rodger Bense, Lester Bense, George Link, Norman Kleinschmidt, Jr. and Russ Bense.