Melvin Volkert 12/19/2010

God lovingly called His servant, Melvin F. Volkert, home to heaven as family members surrounded him on December 19, 2010, at Deerfield Gables in New Richmond, Wisconsin.  Melvin was born April 8th, 1923, in Rosemount, MN, at the home of his parents, William and Bertha Volkert.  He was baptized on April 22, 1923 and confirmed on April 10, 1938.  He attended church and parochial school at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Rich Valley, Minnesota.  After purchasing his grandfather’s farm at Pine Bend, MN, he married Marjorie Engler of Randolph, MN. on September 20, 1947.  In 1955, when the Pine Bend oil refinery bought their farm, Melvin and Marge moved to Wisconsin to a new farm three miles north of New Richmond.  This farm is now owned by his son, Lowell.  Melvin is survived by his four beloved children:  Bonnie (Bill) Klopp of New Richmond, Valerie (Tim) Boche of Emerald, Lowell (Karen) of New Richmond, and Nancy (Jim) Danielson of Clear Lake.  Melvin and Marge were blessed with eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  Melvin is also survived by two sisters: Helen (Jud) Curwood of Venice, Florida, and Lorna Johnston of Long Lake, MN.  Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie, who died October 28th, 2010.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, William and Bertha Volkert and six siblings: Florence, Arnold, Marion Klos, Stella Frank, Leonard, and Robert.  Visitation and services were held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New Richmond.  Visitation was on Wednesday, December 22nd  from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  The funeral was on Thursday, December 23rd at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment was in New Richmond Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Eric Klopp, Mike Raml, Linn Case, Kevin Harmon, Tom Boche, Wyatt Boche, Scott Warner, Steve Volkert, and Ken Danielson.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young’s Beebe Mortuary of New Richmond.