Melvin Delbert Carsen, aka Mel or Big Mel to his friends and family, of Grand Forks, ND died peacefully on July 24, 2024, after a long battle with multiple health issues over the summer. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife and children at Mayo Hospital ICU in Rochester, MN.
Mel was born to Julius and Olga (Mathisen) Carsen in Richardton, ND on November 11, 1945. He resided in the Taylor and Richardton area throughout his childhood on the family farm. He later moved with his family to Dickinson, ND, until he graduated from high school. He then attended the trade school in Wahpeton, ND. Upon graduation, he worked as a draftsman for Robertson Lumber in Warren, MN and later Grand Forks, ND. While working for Robertson, he designed many houses, including his own home later in life. It brought him great pride to drive around showing his kids and grandkids the homes he designed when he was younger. For most of his career, he worked for the City of Grand Forks in the Assessing Department, where he eventually worked his way up to become the City Assessor and retired after 50 years of public service. Upon retiring, he continued to consult with counties across ND. Throughout his entire career, he mentored many new appraisers and testified in the ND Legislature to enact laws about property taxation.
He married the love of his life, Ida (Ryan) of Argyle, MN on September 3, 1966. They were married just shy of 58 years. They have two children, Shannon and Shawn, each having two children of their own. He was ever the loving husband, father, and beloved grandpa/Papa Mel. His last words to his wife before he slipped away was “till death do us part.”
Mel was truly a loving public servant with a steadfast, quiet, and abiding faith. He served as a Gideon, Cub Scout den leader, Sunday School teacher, church leader, and mentor to countless people. He was always willing to help someone out and step up where there was a need. To have Mel in your corner meant that you would never be alone or forsaken, no matter the personal cost to him. He just quietly gave to others without expectation of public recognition.
Mel enjoyed coffee with his friends, golfing, going for drives with his best friend/wife Ida, time with his whole family around him, and sitting outside on the patio of the home he built. With a quick wit, a ready smile, and the ability to talk to anyone, he never left anywhere without talking to someone and making a new friend or connecting with an old one.
To say Mel will be missed is a vast understatement! He is survived by his wife Ida (Ryan) Carsen, daughter Shannon (Brian) Grave, son Shawn (Brandi Danielson) Carsen, and three grandchildren: Austin Carsen, Janessa Grave, and Carsen Grave. Mel is preceded in death by one grandchild, Ethan Carsen. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and his brothers and sisters: Julian “Oliver” (Maryanne Tutt) Carsen, Harry (Elaine Steffen) Carsen, Nora (Alfred “Leroy”) Johnson, Noris (Theresa Wolfe) Carsen, and Clara (Dale) Elberg; and many beloved nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Olga (Mathisen) Carsen and siblings Ella Carsen, Norman (Georgeanne Tuhy and Tillie Bernhardt) Carsen.
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at Norman Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND on Monday, August 5 at 1:00pm with visitation the hour preceding the service at the same location. Having opted for cremation, there will be no internment or grave site service. Rather, an open house at Mel and Ida’s home will follow the service for friends and family to share memories and continue the celebration of his life.