Melvin L Terning was born on June 7, 1945 to Earl & Effie (Fredricks) Terning in Cokato. He attended Stockholm School and then Cokato High School.
He entered the military after being drafted in 1965. He proudly served his country for 2 years. After serving a year in Vietnam he left the military with a rank of E5.
His love of dirt started at an early age when he hauled gravel in his red wagon on the driveway. His business Terning Excavating was started in 1971 and he has left his knowledge in many projects in the Cokato area. After turning the business over to his son Nate, he still hauled gravel for a number of years. Health issues forced him to retire at the age of 77.
One of his most enjoyable projects was volunteering his knowledge and talents in getting a site prepared for The New Living Word Church in Reeds Spring, MO.
Mel is survived by his wife JoAnne, son Nate (Nicole) Terning, daughter Tammy (Jason) Schwartz, five grandchildren Colin Terning, Jacob Schwartz, Caleb Schwartz, Adrianna Terning & Dylan Terning, one great granddaughter Alina Schwartz, Brother Jerry (Gladys) Terning, sister Barb Krogstad, sister-in-law Arlys Terning, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Earl & Effie Terning, and brother Dave Terning.
A service will take place at Stockholm Lutheran Church on Monday, April 6th at 2:00 PM with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM.
Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, Minnesota www.swansonpeterson.com 320-286-2534.
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