Donald Melander

Donald Knox Melander, 80, of Duluth, died peacefully on Sunday, December 18, 2016.  He passed away in St. Luke’s Hospice after suffering injuries from a fall.

Donald was the son of A. Reinhold and Florence (Knox) Melander, born April 22, 1936 in Duluth.  He was a graduate of East High School and continued his education at the University of Minnesota where he received his Bachelor of Architecture.

After graduation, Donald worked for several Twin cities architectural firms, including Cerny and Associates and Hamel-Green.  In 1967, he returned to Duluth, worked for his father at Melander and Fugelso Architects, and eventually opened a firm of his own.  Don had a significant role in noteable projects in Duluth and throughout Northeastern Minnesota, some of which were MN DOT District Headquarters, MN Air National Guard, Duluth Public Schools, Duluth Playhouse, Depot renovations and the Canal Park Clock Tower.

Donald’s professional affiliations included memberships in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), president of Northeastern Minnesota chapter AIA and a trustee of MN Society AIA.  He was also a founding member of Harbortown Rotary, and chaired a project on drug education called “A Time to Talk”.  Don was a very proud Eagle scout, and was the assistant leader of Boy Scout Troop 9.  He served on the Northern Tier National High Adventure committee where he received a Volunteer Service Award.  Other volunteer services included Airport Zoning Board and the Duluth Planning commission.

Donald passed away surrounded by family.  He is survived by his sister F. Mary Melander; his loving wife, Nancy, of 56 years; his sons Douglas (Ann) and Christopher (Lori); his daughter Lisa (Brent) Mellum; eight grandchildren, Paige Melander Wegner, Phillip, Stewart, Andrew and Johnathon Melander, Taylor Melander and Morgan and Leo Mellum who will all be honorary pallbearers for their Papa; eight great-grandchildren; a niece and two nephews.

Visitation:  5 – 7 pm Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Dougherty Funeral Home.  Visitation continues on Wednesday, December 28th. from 2 pm until the 3 pm memorial service at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave.  Memorials to Northern Tier High Adventure Base, PO Box 509 Ely, MN 55731, and Troop 9 BDA, Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth MN 55803.  Arrangements by Dougherty funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth, 727-3555.