Melvin Henry Hemme, 81, Luverne, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2002, in Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Services were Thursday, Feb. 21, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Helling officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.
Melvin Hemme was born to William and Hattie (Hansen) Hemme on Feb. 27, 1920, in Rock County, near Hardwick, where he was raised and attended country school. Following his education he worked on the family farm.
He married EvaLu Mann on June 11, 1944, in Luverne. Following their marriage they lived in Luverne. Shortly after their marriage he entered the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. In 1947 he returned to Luverne and began working for Rolph Construction where he worked for 20 years. He then began working for FreddieÕs Electric as an electrician. Later he began farming the family farm near Hardwick while still living in Luverne. In 1987 he retired from farming. On Jan. 26 he entered Luverne Community Hospital and was transferred to Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls on Jan. 28.
Mr. Hemme was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. He was also a member of Dell Hogan American Legion Post 123 of Luverne and VFW Post 2757 in Luverne. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and especially enjoyed their trip to Europe. He loved to fly and build model airplanes, hunt, fish, play golf and work in his garden.
Survivors include his wife, EvaLu Hemme, Luverne; six children, Dennis D. Hemme, St. Cloud, Joan (Randy) Boomgaarden, Zumbrota, Pamela (Craig) Bindert, Maple Grove, Alan (Amy) Hemme, Sleepy Eye, Gloria (Mark) Aanenson, Champlin, and Robyn Endriss, Sioux Falls; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one daughter-in-law, Colleen Hemme, Sleepy Eye.
Mr. Hemme was preceded in death by his parents, one son, David, and one sister, Vera Oltmans.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.