MELVIN LORENTSON

MELVIN "SMITTY" LORENTSON Melvin "Smitty" Lorentson, 87, of Clara City and formerly of Maynard, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Clara City Assisted Living. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Maynard Lutheran Church in Maynard with burial following in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one and a half hours prior to the service. Clarence Melvin "Smitty" Lorentson was born on May 10, 1936, in Beardsley, the son of Clarence and Myrtle (Olson) Lorentson Sr. When he was only four years old, the family moved to Maynard where his dad opened a blacksmith shop. Smitty attended school in Maynard and graduated in 1954. During his junior and senior years of high school, he enlisted in the National Guard. After graduation, Smitty enlisted in the United States Army in 1955, where his talent as a blacksmith was appreciated and the Army wanted him to teach welding to others. He was honorably discharged in 1958. When home on leave, he met Myrna Minion and the two were married on October 22, 1960, at Maynard Lutheran Church. They began their life together, settling in Maynard and were blessed with three children. Smitty joined his dad at the blacksmith shop in Maynard and continued even after his dad died. His job brought much variety. Smitty provided different pieces of iron work around Maynard and he did a lot of welding for Thorstad Construction and other businesses through the years. Smitty was a member of the Maynard American Legion, volunteered on the Maynard Fire Department and even served as fire chief. He was a charter member of the Maynard Lions and a faithful member of Maynard Lutheran Church. Smitty enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards especially "buck" and making small iron items, such as pumpkins and trellis' to sell. The past few years, he enjoyed sharing his adventures of his days in the Army. Melvin is survived by his wife, Myrna Lorentson of Clara City; children, Gwen (LeRoy) Jaenisch of Clara City, Amy (Tom) Gregoire of Hanley Falls, Chris (Michelle) Lorentson of Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren, Ross (Amber) Jaenisch, Claire (Brenin) Molden, Morgan (fiancé, Shawn Olson) Jaenisch, Lauren (Ryan) Braun, Nolan Grane, Alex Lorentson, Michael Lorentson; great grandchildren, Addison, Brayden and Lukas Jaenisch, Graeme, Lawson and Hayes Molden, Kenna Braun, Troy Washington; sisters-and brothers-in-laws, Cheri (Dan) Carlson, Brad (Marlene) Minion, Tess (Chuck) Holmstadt, Todd (Leona) Minion, Alissa Minion; as well as other relatives and friends. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Sr. and Myrtle Lorentson; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Steve Minion, Reva Heimann, Greg Minion, Brenda Petersen. Arrangements are with Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Clara City. For online guestbook, please visit www.wingbain.com.