John Andrew “Buddy” Melander  was born August 2, 1917 in Carlston Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota to Gustav and Caroline Melander. He had sisters Leola, Grace, Natalie, June and Muriel and brothers Robert, Eugene, Phillip and Roger. The family moved to Winsor Township in Clearwater County in 1918. He grew up in Berner and attended elementary school there. He graduated from Gonvick High School.

Buddy joined the Army on February 5, 1941. He was sent to North Africa as part of an Armored Division. He received an honorable discharge on August 8, 1945. 

Buddy lived in Kenosha, Wisconsin until his death on November 15, 1982. He is buried in United Lutheran Cemetery in Berner.

Plot: 11     Side: South        Row from Bottom: 1

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