Melvin John Ganskop
Melvin John Ganskop, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully July 16, in his home of 44 years, with his wife and many family members by his side. He was born on the family farm near Northgate, ND on August 16, 1935. After growing up and attending high school in Flaxton, ND, he proposed to his wife, Donny for her high school graduation gift. After their marriage in 1956, they moved to Sidney, MT where all 5 of their children were born. They moved to Billings, MT in the spring of 1965.
Mel worked all of his life in the agricultural industry – the last 30 years as a sales representative for Wiese (Corporation) Industries and continued until his death. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, making sausage, jerky, and salsa, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. He always took time to help his family with any project, big or small, as his way of showing his love and support. Mel’s faith in the Lord gave him strength in life. He was actively involved through the years in The Lutheran Laymens League (Lutheran Hour Ministries) and Mount Olive Lutheran Church. He will be remembered for his beautiful and strong singing voice during church services, weddings, and at birthday parties.
Mel passed away after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by Donnaleen, his loving wife of 53 years; children Debbie Miller of Las Vegas, Donna (Mark) Johns of Billings, Dean (Jeane) Ganskop of Williamson, NY, Doris (Rick) Sparks of Helena, MT, & Darlene (Dennis) DeCock of Huntley, MT; grandchildren Angie (Erik) Van Decar, Jessica Johns, Chris Johns, Dean M Ganskop, Jeana Ganskop, Jacob Sparks, Brendon DeCock, Joshua Ganskop, Rachelle Sparks, Brady DeCock, Cody Miller, Caleb Sparks, Brianna DeCock, Catie Miller, & Nicole Sparks; great-grandchild Tristin Rodriguez; sister Clara Wolhowe. He was preceded in death by parents Gust & Irene Ganskop; siblings Frieda Mickel, Harold Ganskop, & Shirley Kuhn.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, July 20, 11 a.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2336 St. Johns Ave. Internment will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. Memorials may be sent to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Billings, MT 59102 or Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Remembrances
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Dean and family,
I was so saddened to hear about your father. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I visited with your dad a few weeks ago at the Oncology center - when they called his name in the waiting room I had to go ask if he was your father.
I told him I graduated with you and he told me that you and Jean were still in New York and that Donna was still here in town. I was surprised (but not really) to hear your parents still lived in the same house (mine do as well.) We had a very nice visit - he was so proud of you and all of your children. I had intentions to drop you a letter and catch up. Please know that you are in my prayers and I am sorry about your loss. Take care Deano, Donna (Pfannenstiel) Fredericks
Doris and Family,
How sad I was to hear about your dad. My heart is heavy thinking of what you must be going through. He was an amazing and wonderful man. He and your mom were always there for a hug whenever I would get to see them. I am very fortunate to have met them and the beautiful family they created. Please know that you are in my prayers and if there is anything you need - just give us a call.
Love and sympathy,
Tanya Shearer, Kaytlyn and Keagan