Melvin Lester Gaetzke Sr., 83, of Thief River Falls, Minn., formerly of Littlefork, Minn., died Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, at Sanford Northwest Medical Center, Thief River Falls.
Melvin was born May 31, 1929, in Wadena, Minn., the son of Otto and Agnes (Werth) Gaetzke.
He grew up in Wadena and at the age of 16 moved to Littlefork with his family.
Melvin was a proud Korean veteran, serving in the United States Army.
On Sept. 19, 1953, Melvin and Anna Obermaier were united in marriage. Together they lived and raised their three children in the Littlefork area.
In 2010 Melvin and Annie relocated to Thief River Falls.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, building, tractors, Harleys, John Wayne movies, polka music, dancing with Annie, and telling stories.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Annie of Thief River Falls; children, Julie Ann Erickson of Grand Rapids, Minn., Melvin (Mary) Gaetzke Jr. of Littlefork, and Tammy (Gordon) Dale of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Wanda (John) McCarroll, Ronald (DiAnna) Erickson, Adam (Kayla) Gaetzke, Carmen (Tyrel) Hazelton, Joshua Dale, Luke (Jamie) Dale, Shiane Dale and Daniel Lockskin; great-grandchildren, Mitch, Kevin, Bradley, Haylee, Natalie, Caleb, Nathan, Daniel, Conor, Emma and Arayah; brother, Stanley (Kae) Gaetzke; as well as many cousins, relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Bob and Jim; and sister, Darlene McGuire.
Memorial services will be conducted at a later date in Littlefork.
Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, is in charge of arrangements.
