Melvin Julius STAVEN

STAVEN, KELAND, THORESON, JENSEN, DYBDAHL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

11 May 1875 --- 13 June 1963

Melvin Julius Staven, the son of Ole and Sirianna Staven, was born May 11, 1875 at Coon Valley, Wisconsin. He moved with his parents to rural Brookings, South Dakota when he was three years of age. He attended the rural schools near Brookings. He was married to Ovedia D. Keland on December 30, 1902. In 1907 Mr. Staven received a degree in law from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. He and his wife moved to Britton, South Dakota in July, 1907. There he began his practice as an attorney. After a period in private practice, he became the State's Attorney of Marshall County. Later he became the County Judge, in which capacity he served for 34 years. Mr. Staven was a charter member of the First English Lutheran church of Britton and held membership in the International Order of Odd Fellows and in the Lions Club of Britton. He was a 50 year member of the South Dakota State Bar Association. He served as the mayor of his city for many years and was active in many civic projects including the Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America and the Andrew Carnegie Library project.

Following his retirement Mr. and Mrs. Staven moved to Renwick, Iowa in September, 1957 where they have resided since that time. He became a member of St. Paul Lutheran church of Renwick. He passed away at his home on Thursday morning, June 13, at the age of 88 years. Surviving him are his wife, one son, Alvin J. Staven of Union Grove, Wis., two daughters, Leanora (Mrs. Edwin Thoreson) of Estherville, Iowa and Marcella (Mrs. Lloyd Jensen) of Renwick, one sister, Mrs. Iver Dybdahl of Brookings, South Dakota, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are five brothers and three sisters.

Renwick Times --- Renwick, Iowa
June 20, 1963