Glenn R. Melvey

Dr. Glenn R. Melvey, born July 22, 1924, died, at age 94, on November 17, 2018 after living a rich and full life. Glenn graduated from Moorhead High School in 1942. During high school, he played in the band, served as co-captain of the school safety patrol, and was captain on the football team as a senior. He was a three-year letterman on the basketball team that advanced to the state tournament in 1941 and 1942.

After graduation, Melvey proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a U.S. Navy Reserve officer from 1947 to 1983, retiring as a commander. He was awarded the Navy commendation medal for meritorious service in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

After returning from service, Melvey earned his bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State Teachers College, now Minnesota State University Moorhead, in 1949. He later earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota in 1950 and his doctorate in educational administration from the University of North Dakota in 1970.

Melvey’s 47-year career with Fargo (N.D.) Public Schools began as a physical education teacher at Central High School in 1950. In 1954, he was named principal at Jefferson Elementary. Melvey worked as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Curriculum from 1970 until his retirement in 1997. He was instrumental in the establishment of Trollwood Performing Arts School. He received the Golden Apple Award for meritorious service in improving the educational opportunities of children from the North Dakota Principals’ Association. He was named North Dakota School Administrator of the Year by the North Dakota Library Association, MSUM Distinguished Alum (1976), and was recently inducted into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor.

Melvey was a past president of the North Dakota Principals’ Association and he was a member of the Fargo Lion’s Club. He was an ardent supporter of the YMCA and served on boards for numerous organizations. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and served on the church council including 2 terms as Congregation President. Melvey loved racquetball and was a national racquetball champion.

Glenn and his wife, Phyllis (Morben), were married for 67 years and lived in Fargo, N.D. and Sun City West, Arizona. He is survived by Phyllis, and their four children, Linda (Bob) Perdaems, Jay (Darcy) Melvey, Ann (Butch) McConn and Paul (Sarah) Melvey; ten grandchildren, Brock (Melissa) Torfin, Sara (Nate) Daniels, Blake (Alyssa) Torfin, Heather and Brittany Melvey, Brad and Suzanne McConn, and Russell, Sam and Truett Melvey and two great grandchildren, Ayla and Corbin Torfin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay Melvey and Ruth Melvey Wenzel; two sisters and a brother, and granddaughter, Lindsey Melvey.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Bethany Homes.