Melvin Ole Davidson, 92, of Grafton ND, passed away with his loving family by his side on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Melvin was born on May 5, 1928 in Sharon, ND the son of Ole and Lillie (Holter) Davidson and was the first of eleven children. Growing up, he helped out on the family farm and helped take care of his younger siblings. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Shortly after his discharge, he married Helen (Gamache) Davidson and spent the first half of his life in Grand Forks, working various jobs while living there. Later, he moved to Devils Lake and met the love of his life, Jana Dick and they spent 49 years together.
While in Devils Lake, he was most proud of working as a jeweler at Huesgen's Jewelry. He also loved working at Walmart as a greeter, and other jobs, until he retired. Melvin was a humble and very caring man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was also very spiritual and prayed for everyone every day. He enjoyed his talks with his heavenly Father.
He loved life and all of his children and family. He enjoyed nature and had a great respect for all life. He was very artistic and expressed his creativity through his woodcarving and painting as well as other artistic avenues. He was so creative that he could re-purpose anything into something useful. He always kept busy by tinkering around trying to fix things and by helping out a neighbor in need. He loved to fish and traveled the open road frequently, to visit with family and friends, as his health would allow. He loved animals and as he aged he enjoyed his many pets throughout his life. Whenever you met him, Melvin always had a funny and quirky joke to share. The highlight of his day was to see people smile and laugh.  Melvin also liked to speak in Norwegian and French, eating Lutefisk, reading the Bible and other books and magazines.
Melvin was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. As Melvin's family, we want to thank you all for your many prayers and support.
Melvin is survived by his 7 children, Eugene Davidson of Fargo, ND, Bruce Davidson of Grand Forks, ND, Kim VanRisseghem of Loveland, CO, Amy Litzinger of Grand Forks, ND, Julie Davidson of Greenville, WI, Joy (Mike) Wentz of Crary, ND, and Matthew (Ernesta) Davidson of Crary, ND; sisters, Mary (Al) Gagnon, Lillian (Leroy) DeGagne, Judy (Harvey) Akridge, Diane (Jack) Swanson, and Rose Boulduc; 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents: his sisters, Gloria Davidson, Marjorie Brage, and Lila Berglund; his brothers, Robert Davidson and Gilford Davidson and a grandson, Jacob Wentz.

A Private Funeral Service: Will be held in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment: At a later date.

Military Honors: Accorded at the time of burial by members of the American Legion Post 157, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard.