Vernon Ardel Melby, 90, of Owatonna, died Friday, September 19, 2008 at Homestead Hospice House. He was born September 6, 1918 in Blooming Prairie Twsp. the son of Clarence and Gina (Garness) Melby. Vernon moved with his family to Randolph when he was two years old. In 1933 the family moved to their farm near Pratt. Vernon served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 1942 to Dec. 1945 and was a mechanic at Wanous Pontiac from 1946 to 1948. He married Alice Nash June 13, 1948 at Aurora Lutheran Church. Vernon then farmed until retiring in 1996. He was a member of Aurora Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school. Vernon was a 63 year member of the American Legion and a 20 year member of NFO. Vernon will be remembered for his "gift of gab" and wonderful sense of humor. He loved telling stories of his life in the service and a conversation was never complete without a joke or two. He is survived by his son, David (and Cindy) Melby of Owatonna; daughter, Nancy (and Tim) Lidstrom of Mankato; 4 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Violet Daugaard of greater Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; brothers, Clifford, Kenneth, Nordean, Lester; sisers, Geneva, Erliss, Evelyn. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday from 4-7pm and at Aurora Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 10-11am. Funeral services will be held September 23, 2008 at 11:00am at Aurora Lutheran Church with the Reverend Paul Nelson officiating. Interment will be in the Aurora Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Aurora Lutheran Church Serviceman''s Memorial, Homestead Hospice House or to the donor''s choice. Visitation: 09/22/2008 16:00 09/22/2008 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 09/23/2008 11:00