Douglas Melvin Miland, 98, of Spring Valley, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Douglas, better known as “Melvin,” was born July 15, 1925, to Francis Zinke. He was raised in rural Spring Valley by his grandparents Richard and Lydia Miland. He attended school in Spring Valley and graduated in 1942. Melvin loved playing football and was awarded Honorary State Guard. In 1948 he and his team members won the All-State Fast Pitch Softball.
Melvin loved riding horses. In his younger years he rode his horse Baldies in many parades. He also broke horses to ride. In his later years he raised Paint horses. He loved old-time music, dancing and watching the Minnesota Vikings.
On December 3, 1949, he married Shirley Johnson. Together they raised seven children; Mike, Rod, Gary and Rhonda Miland, Pat Copeman, Nancy (Mark) Apland and Char Losey, all from Spring Valley. Melvin has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He continued to farm on the family farm that he was raised on, with the help of his grandparents, wife and children. He also worked at the Hanna Iron Mines south of Spring Valley and at Mayo Clinic for 17 years, until his retirement.
Melvin is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his son Rodney, son-in-law Steve Copeman, mother Francis Zinke, half-brother Russell Zinke, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice for the care and kind words they provided daily, Chaplain Dan, the Spring Valley Ambulance, Olmsted Medical and Spring Valley Pharmacy. A big thank you to the family, friends and neighbors for their many visits.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.