Melvin Hoaas

Melvin Hoaas, 94, of Dent died Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at his home under hospice care.

Melvin was born January 4, 1931 in rural Oaklee, MN to Martin & Emma (Warstad) Hoaas. He was baptized and confirmed in Oaklee at Ebnezer Church. Melvin graduated from Oaklee High School and worked in carpentry and construction all his life. He worked on dams in Wyoming, built homes in Ventura, CA and built and remodeled several other homes.

He married the love of his life, Jane Koeplin on October 23, 1956 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Fergus Falls. They lived in Crookston where he built their first home in 1962, worked with his father building motels, and was employed at Eickhoff Cabinet Shop for 25 years. Their three children were born in Crookston. After 25 years in Crookston, they moved to Star Lake in Dent where he built their second home and still reside.

Melvin also had an interest in cars, camping (in the early years), and gardening. He loved wood crafting and made cradles for each first-born grandchild and a variety of small items like bread boxes and plant stands.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Andor (Roberta) Hoaas, Walter (Lois) Hoaas, Lester (Arlene) Hoaas, Leonard (Lois) Hoaas; sister, Mildred (Oliver) Haugen, Gladys (Ray) Haugen, Muriel (Ray) Ranum; an infant brother; several nieces & nephews; one great granddaughter; and parents-in-law, Alfred & Clementine Koeplin.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Kevin Hoaas (fiancée Sheri Cook) of Fargo, ND, Kim (Lisa) Hoaas of Eldorado, CA, and Connie (Barry) Rongen of Dent; five grandsons, Matthew (Katie) Rongen, Eric (Chelsey) Rongen, Elliot (Morgan) Rongen, Andrew (Rakshya) Hoaas, and Trevor (Shelby) Hoaas; and 13 great grandchildren, Ridley, Ryker, & Wrenly Rongen, Thane Rongen, Anisten Peterson, Cale Peterson, Braylee & Boone Rongen, Bryson & Kylan Hoaas, and Avery, Raelynn, & Walker Hoaas.

Service details are pending at this time.

Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com