South St. Paul - Melvida Hamberg, 94, died Sunday, July 19.
Melvida Charlotte Johnson was born on February 13, 1904 in Marshall county, the daughter of John and Anna Johnson. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1922.
In the fall of 1925 she married Alfred Nelson. He worked as a carpenter and school custodian until his death in 1935. Melvida was active in church activities, teaching Sunday school, Ladies' Aid and playing the pump organ and piano. She also directed a small choir for a while.
On December 14, 1944 Melvida married Zak Hamberg while he was on a weekend leave from the U.S. Army before he was sent to Europe. After World War II the couple farmed in the Newfolden area for several years before moving with their son Vernon to South St. Paul.
Melvida was a member of First Calvary Baptist Church in South St. Paul for many years. Her main interest and work in the church was serving as chair of the White Cross, an organization that rolled bandages and provided other supplies for overseas missionaries. She enjoyed crocheting and as a seamstress made clothing from family members.
Melvida is survived by her five children, Maynard Nelson, Wallace (Doris) Nelson, Arlyss (Arnold) Olsen, Romaine (Joyce) Nelson and Vernon Hamberg; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Alyce Hanson and Dorinda Tangen; and one brother, Carl E. Johnson.