Melvin A. Klinkner

Obituary

Melvin Anthony Klinkner was born on August 25, 1925, in Bluffton, Minnesota. He was the son of Frank and Margaret (Vorderbruggen) Klinkner. Melvin was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth both at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bluffton. He received his education in Madelia, Minnesota, and attended the Madelia Public Schools through the 10th grade.

Melvin entered active military service in the United States Army on June 19, 1945, in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and served his country during WWII. He received an Honorable Discharge on November 19, 1946, at the Separation Center in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. Melvin earned the Army of Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

On June 14, 1949, Melvin was united in marriage to Alyce Portner at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with 10 children, Melvin, David, James, Margaret, Lori, Sheryl, Carol, Brenda, Amy, and Mary Frances. They made their home in New Ulm for five years, moved to St. James, Minnesota, for three years, Madelia for two years, and settled in the Stewart area in 1959. Melvin and Alyce were blessed with 62 years of marriage until Alyce passed away on January 27, 2012.

Melvin was employed as a mechanic, working at Green Giant, he also tiled and farmed while being employed at 3M in Hutchinson for 20 plus years until he retired in 1990. After retirement, Melvin continued to farm until retiring in 2005. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart. He was also a member of the Stewart American Legion DeGree Fleisch Post #125.

Melvin enjoyed listening and dancing to old-time music, playing sheepshead, his many trips, looking at the countryside, spending his winters in Mesa, Arizona, and of course driving his lawnmower. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.

Melvin became a resident at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, on May 19, 2021. He passed away there on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the age of 95 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Melvin is survived by his:
Sons, Melvin Klinkner and his wife, Corliss, of Salina, KA,
David Klinkner and his wife, Diane, of Stewart, MN,
James Klinkner and Diana Hanson of Fairmont, MN,
Daughters, Margaret Wyatt and her husband, Jerry, of Laughlin, NV,
Lori Vinkemeier and her husband, Wayne, of Stewart, MN,
Sheryl Peters and her husband, Russ, of Fairfax, MN,
Carol Loftness and her husband, Kevin, of Hector, MN,
Brenda Hackbarth and her husband, Scott,
Amy Mathiowetz and her husband, Paul, of Bemidji, MN;
29 Grandchildren;
39 Great-Grandchildren;
3 Great Great-Grandchildren;
Sister, Louella Heiling of New Brighton, MN;
Brother, LuVerne Klinkner and his wife, Sue, of Elk River, MN;
Sisters-In-Law, Nancy Klinkner of New Ulm, MN,
Rosadell Portner of New Ulm, MN;
Brother-In-Law, George Reiser of New Ulm, MN;
Special Friend, Mary Becker of Duluth, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Melvin is preceded in death by his Parents, Frank and Margaret Klinkner; Wife, Alyce Klinkner; Infant Daughter, Mary Frances; Brothers, Francis (Mary) Klinkner, Leo (Bernice) Klinkner, Martin (Cloe) Klinkner, Everett (Bea) Klinkner, Arnold (Shirley) Klinkner, Orville Klinkner, and Alfred Klinkner; Sisters, Dolores (Leo) Schwartz, Agatha (Leo) Mack, Geraldine (Richard) Roesch, Margaret Klinkner and Christine Klinkner; and Brother-In-Law, Hugo Heiling.