Melvin Burke Frandsen

Life long Idaho resident Melvin Burke Frandsen (age 92) passed away peacefully September 6, 2017 after a fall and cranial hemorrhage. After his fall he spent his last week in the Portneuf Regional Medical Center and the Idaho State Veterans Retirement Home in Pocatello, Idaho.

Melvin was born January 19, 1925 second son of R. Beecie (Stutznegger) and C. Burke Frandsen of Blackfoot, Idaho and is survived by two sisters Ruth Losee and Rachel Kingston, and brothers LW (Iris) Frandsen and Charles Frandsen of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho; and Paul (Inga) Frandsen of Hawaii and Andrew (Robin) Frandsen of Independence, Oregon. Melvin completed middle school through 8th grade and in May 2004 received an Honoree High School Graduate certificate from Marsh Valley, Idaho.

In February 1953 Melvin married C. Rae Mattingly of Huntington, Utah and divorced after 4 years. His surviving children are Burke M. (Sherrie) Frandsen of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho and Melanie S. (Frank) Gladics of Boise, Idaho. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great grand chickens who all miss this amazing man. Melvin was preceded in death by his son Kevin M. (Laurie) Frandsen of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho and his stepdaughter Alayna M. (Gerald) Shipe of West Valley City, Utah.

Melvin was a veteran of World War II where he served with the U.S. Army as a technical Corporal 5th class in the 751st field artillery battalion. He enlisted at age 18 on 29 November 1943 and served until honorably discharged on 12 May 1946. A qualified Army Sharpshooter (Carbine) he was awarded the following decorations and citations: German Occupation Medal, American Theater of Operations Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and AR 600-68 Victory Medal.

After the war he lost his right arm and his father in a mining accident in Huntington, Utah. Despite his numerous injuries throughout his life he worked nearly every day well into his 70's as a farmer, well driller, irrigation system installer and a number of other jobs. He was known as a very hard worker, always cheerful, and generous to a fault.

His children remember him as a kind, loving, father and speak very fondly of their summers on the Frandsen dry farm west of Black Foot, Idaho and then the family farm just west of Lava Hot Springs where most of his surviving brothers and sisters and countless nieces and nephews live and work today.

Melvin retired in his early 80's but still continued to work by helping his eldest son Burke build his home in Lava Hot Springs.

Melvin loved to read, was always extremely generous and kind, and never had a cross word for anyone. He will be missed greatly and the state of Idaho and city of Lava Hot Springs has lost one of the true greats of the Greatest Generation.

A celebration of his life and potluck will be held Tuesday September 12th between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at 7879 Rex Drive, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246. In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation to the American Red Cross for storm victims of the 2017 storms in Melvin Burke Frandsen's name.

You may mail a donation by check, in his name, to:
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839

Or you may make a check by phone donation at: 1-800-435-7669

Memories and condolences may be shared in his "Tribute Wall" tab above.