In his retirement, he became Lay Pastor for Swan Valley (Leader, MN) and Maple Hill (Pine River, MN) ELCA Lutheran Churches, and he contributed to Luther Seminary’s program to support future leaders. Most significantly, he was active for decades a Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, where he served in such roles as Congregational President, Sunday School teacher, and custodian. Mel had a life-long “call to ministry” which he lived out in many ways-within and outside church organizations. While working at SAVTI, he earned a degree in vocational education from Bemidji State University. After his marriage to Sonja (Nelson) Nefstead, on September 15, 1962, they moved to Staples, where Mel had a long and robust career in vocational education-serving as teacher, shop instructor, Financial Aid Director, Special Needs Tutor, and Tribal College liaison at the Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute (SAVTI), now Central Lakes College. Following graduation, he entered an apprenticeship as a Tool and Die Maker. He attended school in West Allis, graduating from high school in 1955. Mel was born on Apto Agnes (Garlie) Nefstead and Melvin Nefstead, Sr., in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Mel loved, and was loved, by his family: and for Mel, his “family” extended beyond notions of biological or nuclear family to include many others-including, particularly, former students and ‘swimmers’. His service included involvement in community and civic organizations, the Lutheran Church, athletics, education, and healthcare-and his life of service inspired many. Throughout his life, Mel (also known as Brotz) was consistently committed to being of service to others. Melvin John Nefstead, Jr., 82, of Baxter, Minnesota, transitioned to his heavenly home November 18, 2020, following a brief hospitalization at Lakewood Health System to treat complications of COVID-19 and Parkinson’s Disease. Preferred memorials: Plymouth Christian Youth Center (Minneapolis), Wilderness Canoe Base (Gunflint Trail), Trinity Lutheran Church (Hovland, MN).ĬOVID-19 private family services were held on Monday, December 28. He authored Wilderness Witness: The Founding Years (1957-1968) and Guidelines for Church Camping (BCA). Ham was twice honored by Saint Olaf College: As an inaugural inductee to the Athletic Hall of Fame and as a Distinguished Alumnus. He joined Golden Valley Health Center as a chaplain and spiritual director for more than a dozen years, working with psych and addiction recovery within the 12 Step program. He received clinical training at Metropolitan Medical Center. He brought advocacy to the human rights struggle and various Native American ministries.
He was active in the Bible Camp Association and the American Camping Association. In a calling to the SE MN District ALC, he helped to shape youth and encounter outreach through Camp Amnicon (Central Lutheran, Minneapolis) Good Earth Village (an ecumenical association) Mexico Youth Encounter (cross-cultural mission) and Bighorn Spirit (parish youth adventure). He served Augustana Academy (Canton, SD). He was founding director of Plymouth Christian Youth Center (North Minneapolis) and its Wilderness Canoe Base (Gunflint Trail). He was ordained in 1956 to the American Lutheran Church (ELCA) in extended ministries. Ham graduated from Fergus Falls High School, Saint Olaf College and Luther Seminary. Pearl was a partner and sojourner in mission. Ham and Pearl celebrated 71 years of life together in 2020.
She survives together with children Nathan, Jeffrey (Pam) and Solveig, grandchildren Sonja, Gretchen and Erik, brother Bernt Julius and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. On August 28, 1949, Pearl Miller married Ham at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN. He died on Decemat age 91 in Grand Marais, MN. "What does the Lord require of us? To know justice… to love kindness… and to walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8
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