Obituary of Melvin Olaf Deraas

Melvin Olaf Deraas, 81, of Duluth passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Mel lived his entire life in Duluth, graduating from Central High School in 1954. He worked in the construction field as a lather and carpenter and eventually started his own construction company. He often commented that his handprints are on most of the buildings in Duluth. He was well known for his hard work ethic. Mel married his teenage sweetheart Ilona Timo in 1957. Together they raised a family of three sons and three daughters with a strong bond of love. His greatest joy was spending time with his best friend and wife of 60 years. It was obvious his top priorities in life were faith and family. Mel enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working with his hands. He was the farthest thing from a couch potato. In fact, he didn't even own a television at the time of his passing. Mel's smile and laugh, the signature of his personality, were sincere and welcoming. He radiated friendliness and kindness to everyone with whom he came in contact. He was a man of strong character and his life was lived with a clear devotion to his Creator. He lived each day with purpose and faced his last days with unwavering courage. Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Beatrice (Dehning) Deraas; brother Kenneth Deraas; and grandson Clayton Olaf Deraas. He is survived by his wife Ilona; sons Steven (Sherry), Michael, and Clint; daughters Michelle (Dave) Carlson, Robin (Tim) Clary, and Loretta (Jeremy) Bushlack; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Mikhail Perlov, Dr. Steven Long, and Dr. Elizabeth Johnson and all the caring nurses and staff at St. Luke's hospital. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 in the Cremation Society of Minnesota chapel. Reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Clayton Deraas Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3355, Duluth MN 55803.