Melbourne Lea, age 72, of Starbuck MN, died Saturday, June 18, 2016, at his residence in Starbuck, MN.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 25 ^th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooten, with Pastor Dan Hermanson officiating. Visitation will be at the church, one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Brooten, MN.  Arrangements are with the Hoplin Hitchcock Funeral Home of Brooten.

Melbourne Ardell Lea was born on September 14, 1943, in rural Pope County, MN, to Helmer and Alice (Wollwage) Lea.  He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. Hoyme and was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooten.  He graduated from Brooten High School and lived on the nearby family farm.  Even with his disabilities, he loved the farm.  He enjoyed working on small engines, playing his guitar and singing.  He also loved playing cards with friends and family, especially Whist, Uno, Kings Corner, and Crazy Eights.  He also enjoyed selling McNess and Mason products.  He continued to live on the farm until 1974 when his father and mother retired, sold the farm and moved to Brooten.  Melbourne's mother cared for him at home for a number of years before he entered the Trevilla Nursing Home in Robbinsdale.  In July of 1995, Melbourne returned to Pope County, moving to New Beginnings Assisted Living in Starbuck, where he was the very first client.  He enjoyed almost 21 years as a resident there before his death on Saturday, June 18, 2016, having lived to the age of 72.

Melbourne is survived by one brother, Lloyd and his wife, Beulah Lea of Columbia Heights, MN; two sisters-in-law, Mabel Lea of Brooten and Enola (Lea) Willeford of Eufaula, OK; as well as other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; two brothers, Odin and Harlow; one sister, Beverly Torkelson, and her husband, Russell Torkelson; two nephews, Douglas and David; one niece, Debra Gandrud; and many other relatives and friends.

Melbourne's family would like to extend a very special thank you to New Beginnings and their staff in Starbuck MN, for the special care they have given Melbourne during his long stay in the home. Also, a word of thanks to Glacial Ridge Hospice for the excellent care they provided Melbourne.