Debra M. Skarphol Bang

Melvin Skarphol
Born: September 18, 1918 in Souris, North Dakota.
Deceased: March 18, 1990 Age 72
Parents: Mathias and Sigri Skarphol
One of 11 children
Early life highlights:
• Melvin grew up on the Skarphol family farm in Bottineau County
• Attended high school in Souris, North Dakota
• Dropped out after two years by his own admission
• Was drafted in 1940 into the Army
• Served in WW II 1940-1946 in the US 5th Army
After the army he moved to Fargo and worked with his brother Jacob Skarphol
who had a Concrete Block Manufacturing and Wrought Iron Manufacturing
business.
In 1949, he risked everything to try it on his own and started Twin City
Construction with a few dollars in the bank, a couple of sawhorses and a pick-up
truck. He started building homes and after 8 years he ventured into the
commercial building business as well. Twin City Construction grew into 12
separate divisions:
• Administrative
• Commercial building
• Residential building
• Realty
• Mechanical
• Municipal and utility lines
• Electrical
• Steel buildings
• Design-Build
• Components such as factory-made products
• Millwork and cabinetry
• Highway construction
Twin City operated for 42 years.
Twin City Construction constructed projects throughout the continental United
States and Hawaii. At its peak the company employed 1,000 people and was
listed as one of the top 400 Construction Companies by the Engineering News-
Record.
Melvin served as president of Twin City Construction until 1976, when he took
over as chairman of the board.
Melvin married Violet M. Sandeen on August 14, 1948 and together they had 8
children. Charles M. Skarphol, Steven M. Skarphol, Paul M. Skarphol, David M.
Skarphol, Debra M. Skarphol, John M. Skarphol, Mary M. Skarphol and Matthew
M. Skarphol
Why Melvin wanted to make the donation to NDSU
Melvin and Violet wanted the endowment set up for scholarship tuition
assistance for those seeking a Construction Management Major. By doing this
they wanted to help those with a passion for construction management to get
into the business to be able to do good works as evidenced by his key principles
of (Quality, Fairness, Integrity and providing outstanding value).
What Melvin meant to the community
He was involved in numerous other business activities, including Don’s Car Wash
and Moorhead State Bank. He also was involved in many charitable
organizations. He was past president of the F-M Homebuilders Association and FM
Builders and Trade Exchange. He served on the board of regents for Concordia
College and was on the board of directors of Oak Grove High School in Fargo,
North Dakota, as well as other boards throughout the region.
What Did NDSU mean to Melvin
Melvin’s NDSU campus construction project highlights:
• Askanase Hall
• Dairy & Swine Building
• Field Crops Research
• Home Economic Building
• Library
• Power Plant
Melvin and NDSU President Laurel Loftsgard, shared a close personal friendship
and passion for growing NDSU.