Melvin Rajala

He was born February 15, 1922 in Eveleth, Minnesota to Herman Rajala and Johanna Latva-aho. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Nelma. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Laurene (Beck) and their three children Lynnette Rajala-Langton (John) of Piermont, New York, Gregory Rajala (Jan) of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Renee McCullough of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Six grandchildren, Gregory Mercurio, Paul Mercurio, Lisa Tyler, Katherine Romanowich, Christopher McCullough, Zachary McCullough, one great grandchild, Anya Mercurio, and many nieces and nephews survive him.

Melvin received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and a master’s degree in meteorology from Penn State University. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served in the 155th Night Photo Reconnaissance Squadron during World War II. He continued in the Air Force during the Korean War as meteorologist and later served in other squadrons. Following his retirement in 1964, he was a civil service meteorologist for the North American Air Defense Command. He had a great sense of humor and was an amazingly wise, courageous, loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great-grandfather. In addition to his countless hours of devotion to his family and country, Melvin volunteered for many years at High Plains Elementary, tutoring students in mathematics. He also loved golf, fishing and sports throughout his life. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage, visiting his parents’ homeland several times. His life was well lived. He was one of a kind.