Melvin Loeschke

Melvin Loeschke, age 82, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church on Friday. Reverend Zachary Voss will officiate, and interment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Melvin Harry Loeschke was born on November 26, 1941, in Vernon Township of Grant County, SD, to Harry and Lily (Nitz) Loeschke. He was baptized on December 14, 1941, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Milbank, SD. Melvin’s faith was confirmed on May 29, 1955, at Trinity Lutheran Church - Town Walter in Walter Township of Lac qui Parle County, MN.

Melvin graduated from high school in 1959, and the following October, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard. He was stationed in Colorado during the building of the Berlin Wall. Melvin was called to active duty during a time of crisis from 1961 to 1962. He dedicated four years of his life to this service before being honorably discharged in June 1963. 

On February 3, 1963, he married the love of his life, Florence Ell, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Together, they built a life centered around their shared values and love for the land with their three children.

From a young age, Melvin knew he was destined to be a farmer, following in his father's footsteps. He began working on the family land at the tender age of 14, honing his skills and learning how to work the land. Farming was not just a profession for Melvin; it was his calling, his way of life. When there wasn’t a crop or work to be done on the farm, he worked for Oheler’s Construction Company. Melvin helped in the building of the Owatonna Dam and helped to construct many airport radar stations in Milbank and the surrounding area.

As a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Melvin served on the Board of Elders and Trustees and served as the church treasurer. He also served his community as being a member of the Nassau American Legion and was on the Board of Directors at the farmer’s elevator.

Beyond his work on the farm, Melvin found joy in crafting birdhouses and woodworking. He even turned this passion into a business, selling his creations to others. His interests extended beyond farming and woodworking; he found solace and happiness in fishing, boating, gardening, and caring for his fruit trees. He especially cherished the moments spent boating with his grandkids, creating lasting memories with them.

Left to cherish Melvin’s memory are his children: Gene (Robin) Loeschke, Vickie (Doug) Gulley, and Shoan (Carrie) Loeschke; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Leanne) Loeschke; sister-in-law, Ann Loeschke; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Florence in February of 2024; his parents; and brother, Roger Loeschke.