Melva Stella Sagen, age 94, of Pigeon Falls, died on Monday, April 3, 2017 in the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Melva was born on February 27, 1923 in Hixton, WI to Simon and Mary (Thompson) Amundson. After Melva graduated from the Hixton High School she attended a business short course in Eau Claire. Melva worked in the Trempealeau County Courthouse in the Rations office during World War II.

Melva married Lawrence Sagen on February 22, 1947 in Pigeon Falls and moved to Lawrence's family's dairy farm. Together they operated the farm until 1973. Melva worked for the Whitehall School District delivering hot lunch to the Northfield School and then working in the kitchen at the Pigeon Falls Elementary Schools. In 1996, Melva and Lawrence sold the farm and moved to Osseo. In 2010 they returned to Pigeon Falls to the Country Ridges Apartments.

Lawrence passed away on June 11, 2011. Melva remained at Country Ridges until January of 2017 and then moved in to the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center due to failing health. Melva was a member of the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church and actively participated in the Sunday School and Ladies Aid throughout the years. Melva also worked as the church office secretary for both the Pigeon Falls Lutheran Church congregations before retiring.

Melva was proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who tell stories of getting ice cream for breakfast at Grandma's house and playing card games. She was an avid reader and always did the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper. She and Lawrence loved to drive through the local coulees. They also took many road trips out west through the national parks.

Melva is survived by a son, Larry Sagen of Eau Claire; a daughter, Diane Arps of Woodbury, MN; three grandchildren, Jeremy Sagen of Osseo, Kelly Corey of Beloit and Kimberly Arps of Roseville, MN; one great-grandson, Carson Corey of Beloit; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Melva was preceded in death by a brother, Rayder Amundson and a sister, Iola Olson

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Mary Ann Bowman will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.