MELVIN LESKA RADLOFF 1919-2007
MARTINS, RADLOFF, PAPE, HELGERSON, HOUG, LENTH, SCHILLIG, MARKEY
Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 12/23/2007 at 15:31:30
Melvin Radloff
Funeral services for Melvin Radloff were held Monday, November 19, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, with the Reverend Steve Brackett officiating. Special music was provided by Marian Schutte, organist and Kim Schutte, soloist. The Casket Bearers were Chad Radloff, Derk Radloff, Bryce Helgerson, Brock Helgerson, Jermey Houg, Ryan Bevins, Tim Hrdlicka. Burial was in the Postville Cemetery. The Schutte Funeral and Cremation Service of Postville was in charge of arrangements.
Melvin Leska Radloff was born December 12, 1919, and was raised on the Radloff family farm in Grand Meadow Township, Clayton County, south of Luana, Iowa. His parents were William Frederick and Mary (Martins) Radloff. He passed away Thursday, November 15, 2007 in the Good Samaritan Center at Postville, Iowa, at the age of 87 years, 11 months and 3 days.
He was baptized March 4, 1920 by the Reverend H. P. Kumph in St. John Lutheran Church at Luana and confirmed there on June 23, 1935 by Reverend Kumph. Melvin walked to the Pleasant View Country School with his brother, Elmer, completing the eighth grade. He was needed to work on the farm, which began his life-long occupation as a farmer. He told many interesting stories of the farm work of the "old days," which included farming with horses.
On August 22, 1941 Melvin was married to Dorothy Pape in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Monona, Iowa. They lived on the Radloff family farm and raised four children there. They celebrated 66 years together this year. Melvin had a wonderful caring love for his family, a love for the land and for his animals and a kind heart for any sick animal that would occasionally end up in the kitchen until it was strong enough to survive on its own. He loved the beauty of nature and enjoyed the work of farming, snowmobiling and horseback riding. Christmas was one of his favorite times of the year, when his family would gather on Christmas Eve at their home for fellowship and food and they would all sing together their traditional song, "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas!"
In 1973 Melvin and Dorothy built a home in Postville. He drove a school bus for the Postville School for 20 years, retiring at the age of 80. He and Dorothy were enthusiastic Hawkeye and Postville Pirates fans, attending games whenever possible and listening to the games in the later years. Melvin was an avid golfer and spent much of his time at the Tri City Country Club with his family and friends. He touched many lives and will be remembered for his quick smile and wit.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two daughters, Sandra (Richard) Helgerson, and Sue (Verdine) Houg, all of Postville, two sons, William (Laura) Radloff, Luana, and Robert (Nancy) Radloff, also of Postville; nine grandchildren, Bryce Helgerson, Brock (Jill) Helgerson, Jermey Houg, Chad (Darcy) Radloff, Petra Radloff, Amber Radloff, Derk Radloff, Bobbie Jo (Ryan) Bevins, Kristie (Tim) Hrdlicka; five great grandchildren, Josie Helgerson, Hannah and Logan Radloff, Carter Bevins and Ashlee Hrdlicka; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Radloff, Monona, Emelyn (Lorenz) Lenth, Monona, Carol (Robert) Schillig, Robins, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Elmer Radloff, a sister and brother who died in infancy, sisters-in-law, Delpha Radloff, Irene Radloff, Marge Markey, a brother-in-law, Merwyn Pape, and a nephew, Loren Radloff.
Melvin was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1964. He was a past member of the St. John Lutheran Church Brotherhood in Luana, the Northeast Iowa Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, the Whistlin' Bit Saddle Club, served on the Luana Co-op Board, was a member of the Tri City Golf Club, worked with the Clayton County Fair, and bowled for many years at the Hi-Way Lanes in Postville.
The Postville Herald-Leader, November 28, 2007
Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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