Melvin F. Borell, age 88, of Maple Lake, died Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Melvin Francis Borell was born at home on the family farm in Chatham Township on May 7, 1936, to John and Evelyn (Fobbe) Borell. Melvin grew up on the farm alongside his siblings. He was a 1954 graduate of Maple Lake High School. Following his graduation, Melvin served in the United States Army. Upon his discharge, Melvin lived in Minneapolis for a brief time, before returning home to Maple Lake. On June 22, 1963, Melvin was united in marriage to Carole Pribyl at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. They made their home in Maple Lake, where they raised their six children. For 38 years, Melvin was employed by the Wright County Highway Department, retiring in 1998. He then worked for Cedar Lake Engineering for 9 years. Melvin was also a 34-year volunteer with the Maple Lake Fire Department.
He was a man of simple pleasures and profound passions. From watching and feeding birds to spear fishing and cultivating his garden, Melvin’s connection to nature was deep. He found solace in fly fishing, joy in pickling, and creativity in carving spearing decoys. His love for his cat, Bella, was a testament to his caring nature, and his dedication to his family knew no bounds. Melvin’s love for reading, camping adventures, and cherished moments spent with his family will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Melvin is survived by his spouse of almost 61 years, Carole of Maple Lake; children, Tom Borell (Mark Meillier) of Rochester, Todd (Elizabeth) Borell of Maple Lake, Bob (Susie) Borell of Maple Lake, Bill (Beth) Borell of Buffalo, Stacy (Rick) Johnson of Maple Lake, and Mandy (Doug) Mitchell of Breezy Point; grandchildren, Jeremy, Ashley, Jenifer, Michael, Dustin, Lexi, Tori, Trevor, Brandon, Lauren, Paige, Carter, Hailey, Emmet, Haley, Tucker, Landon, Jill, and Mattison; great-grandchildren, Finn, Layla, Rhett, Sawyer, Keiran, Ayla, Willow, Caiden, Finley, Jamison, and Amelia; siblings, Donna Anderson of Annandale, Jim Borell of Buffalo, and Linda (Dave) Stumpf of Annandale; siblings-in-law, Glenna Borell, Jim Stumpf, Pam Lemieux, Sheila (Duane) Fobbe, and Bob (Mary) Pribyl; and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn; siblings, Doris Pribyl and Jack Borell; siblings-in-law, Marlene Stumpf, Al Anderson, Steve Lemieux, Catherine Borell, and Marvin Pribyl.
Melvin’s children will serve as urn bearers, with his grandchildren and members of the Maple Lake Fire Department as honorary urn bearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen will provide music for the service.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmannfuneral.com