In Honor & Memory: Melvin Babcock, Ecumen North Branch

Ecumen North Branch lost a lovely soul this week, Melvin Babcock, age 92.  It has been an honor to serve Melvin the years he was with us and we are grateful to his family for the love and care they showed him.  Melvin and fellow Ecumen North Branch resident Hazel Eng were featured in a KARE 11 TV feature about Ecumen’s Awakenings initiative. 

From his obituaryMelvin R. Babcock, of Ecumen North Branch, formerly of Stanchfield, left us for heaven on Sunday evening, June 17, 2012. He was 92 years old.

Melvin was born May 26, 1920 in Webster, Wisconsin. His family moved to Markville, Minnesota, where he attended school and graduated in 1938 from Cloverton High School. He married Irene Witt in 1941 and they celebrated 70 years together. In 1949, their family moved from Markville to Sandstone. In 1959, the family moved to Stanchfield.
Melvin’s many skills included school bus driving, welder, mechanic, and all around handyman. Mel loved hunting, fishing, family, friends, and helping others. He will be greatly missed, but will be waiting for us at the gates of heaven with open arms

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Olga (Fosmo) Babcock; 2 brothers and 2 sisters; son-in-law, Donald Shade.

He is survived by wife, Irene; children, Gary (Marie), Diane Shade, Roshan (Shivani), Lonny (Denise), Dan (Debbie); 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosalyn (Leonard) Haus; sister-in-law, Lois Babcock; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Godspeed Mr. Babcock.