Steve Melby, 56, of Bismarck, ND, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at his home in Bismarck.

Funeral Services for Steve will be on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. C.S.T. at the New Song Church in Bismarck, ND, Pastor Travis Kadrmas will officiate with burial to follow in the Bowbells Community Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. C.S.T. There will be a Family and Friends Service on Tuesday evening, March 29, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. also at the New Song Church in Bismarck.

Steven Milo Melby, 56, left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on March 24, 2016. He unexpectedly passed away while at his Bismarck home. We thank you Lord for taking him peacefully while he slept in his favorite chair.

Steve was born May 30, 1959 in Kenmare, ND to Audran & Verna Melby. He grew up on his family farm south of Bowbells. He loved doing all the things little boys do. Playing with siblings, fishing in a nearby pond or helping his Dad with over 2,500 chickens filled his days with joy. As the second youngest of six children, "Diaper Dan" received his fair share of teasing. Most likely this is where he perfected the art of teasing others himself.

He attended elementary through high school in Bowbells graduating in 1977. During his time there he played football, was active in student council, and played the tuba in band. He later pursued college at Wahpeton State School of Science, where he achieved an A.S. in Civil Eng. Tech. Following this, he attended NDSU to complete B.S. in Construction Management. During his summers he would return to work on the Orluf & Thelma Peterson Farm. He was truly grateful for this time. They became his second family and he cherished the memories.

On February 14, 1980 he married Jill Hysjulien of Lignite. They were blessed with two children, Dustin and Lacey. They began a life in Grand Forks, where he worked for Peterson Construction. He went on to work at UND Plant Services and completed many projects he was proud of. In 1992 he was hired by Johnson Laffen Architects as a Construction Mgr. He eventually became partner and together they started Melby Construction Services in 1995. MCS had much success and completed many notable projects. He enjoyed the construction industry. He served on numerous councils and boards, including President of the GF Home Builders Assoc. and the ND Assoc. of Home Builders.

On March 5, 1993 he wed Deborah Gore. They resided in Grand Forks. Traveling was something they enjoyed. One of their favorite destinations was Hawaii where they made several trips.

He later moved to Bismarck where he continued his construction career under his new business NB Innovations. He felt fortunate to be close to his grandkids. He loved to fish the river with them. He also enjoyed sitting around the fire with them making s'mores and shooting an occasional bottle rocket!

Steve loved sports and the outdoors. Everything from coaching his son's basketball team to Idaho Elk hunts. Winning his flight in the Grand Forks All City Golf Tournament was also a highlight.

His kids and grandkids were everything to him. He loved to quiz Lacey on music and movies. He always thought he knew more, but we all knew she had the upper hand. Dustin spent time with him golfing, hunting, fishing and whatever else they could get into. He talked highly of all of his friends and loved them dearly. Above all, nothing brought him more joy than his relationships. He was always ready to listen to an old friend or start a conversation to make a new one.

He is preceded in death by Father - Audran Melby, Mother - Verna Melby, Maternal & Paternal Grandparents, Nephews - Cameron Blomquist and Chris Blomquist.

Survived by Son - Dustin (Kristin) Melby of Mandan, Daughter – Lacey Melby of Grand Forks, Grandchildren – (Dustin's children) – Kambree, Avaree, Ben & Brianne,. Brother – Brent Melby, Sisters – Pat (Bob) Blomquist, Ranae (Dwight) Ehlke, Linda (Dave) Mahlum & Roxann (Steve) McFarland. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Services of Bowman in charge of the arrangements.