Gene Nordtorp Melby, 91, Harvey, formerly of rural Manfred, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020, at a Fargo hospital surrounded in love by his sons Michael and Arnie. Through video calls, he was able to see all of his family and tell them all how much he loves them. He passed away due to the effects of COVID 19.

Gene was born in 1928 on the family farm west of Manfred. He grew up as a part of the Manfred Community attending Manfred Grade School and Vang Lutheran Church. He attended Fessenden High School where he enjoyed all things music. He was part of a barbershop quartet called "The Playboys" that performed at many events and also on the radio. While attending school he met the love of his life, Betty Lou Rodacker. They would marry in 1948 and eventually settle at the Melby family farm near Manfred.

Gene was active on the boards for Vang Lutheran Church and Farmers Union of Manfred. He and Betty enjoyed attending the Sons of Norway in Manfred and also the Eagles Club in Harvey. Gene was the piano player for Betty's many years as Choir Director at Vang Lutheran Church and also played for the dances at the Sons of Norway Hall. Many nights, you would find Gene at the piano in their family home with Betty beside him singing.

After 40 years of farming, Gene retired. Not one to be idle for long, he found a job driving senior citizen bus for the Wells/Sheridan Transit Council. In 2003, Dakota Transit Association named Gene "Driver of the Year." He was very proud of this award but you would never know because he was such a humble soul.

Of the accomplishments he was most proud of, nothing compared to his family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Marsha Melby of Minot, Bruce Melby of Manfred, Michael Melby of Minot, Arnie (Norma) Melby of San Diego, CA, and Bergit (Mike) Albrecht of Apex, NC; grandchildren, Megan (Jeff) Blakely, KaDee Melby and Derek Melby, Mandy Melby and Ross (McKenzie) Melby, Iliana Robledo and Alexis Melby, Emma Albrecht, Allison Albrecht and Ryan Albrecht; and great- grandchildren, Benjamin and William Blakely, and Aiden, Robert and Arianna Robledo.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Betty who passed away June 8, 2018; their infant son Brian; his parents; and 7 siblings.

A private family service will be held at Vang Lutheran Church on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. with burial at the church cemetery. These services will be livestreamed on YouTube site: https://youtu.be/loqlq0H6G9A Public visitation will be held Monday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden. CDC recommendations including social distancing, hand sanitizing, wearing a mask and staying away if not feeling well are encouraged.  Those wishing to watch the service at a later date may go to the following link:  YouTube.com/bbcparish

The Melby family wishes to thank the staff at Unit B Long-term Health Facility of St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey for their kindness, generosity, and care.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com.