REICKS, Melvin Michael 1933-2003

REICKS, JAX, MURPHY, RAUSCH, HUGEBACK, MCGRANE, RETHAMEL

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 10/2/2011 at 16:25:45

A Mass of Christian Burial for Melvin Michael Reicks, age 70, of New Hampton, Iowa, was held at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center, New Hampton, Iowa with Rev. Carl Schmitt celebrating with co-celebrant Rev. John Harpel. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery with Dan Murphy, Tom Murphy, Bill Murphy, Mark Rethamel, Ronald Reicks, Wayne Reicks, T.J. Reicks, and Kenneth McGrane as pallbearers. Mel's eight grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers. Hugeback Funeral Home of New Hampton, Iowa, assisted the family with arrangements.

Melvin, son of Joseph G. and Susan (Jax) Reicks, was born April 26, 1933 in Hoven, South Dakota. At an early age, the Reicks family moved to the Cresco, Iowa area and later to the Chester, Iowa area where the family farmed. Mel attended rural country school near Chester. He stayed and farmed his parent's land until the time he was married. On November 20, 1953 Melvin and Marlene Murphy were married in Cresco, Iowa. The couple farmed near LeRoy, Minnesota, Lime Springs, Iowa, and Green Leafton, Minnesota until 1966 when they moved to New Hampton, Iowa. Mel worked for the former Oliver Tractor Company in Charles City, Iowa until he started Mel Reicks & Son Construction of New Hampton. He and his crew built over 30 homes in the New Hampton area and had employed up to 25 people.

In 1972, the family moved to the Goebel farm, a mile north of New Hampton. They expanded the construction business and began Reicks Trucking Company with twelve trucks. Mel never really retired as he continued to help with the business. Mel enjoyed fishing with his Cresco cousins, the Clear Lake Cabin, and winters in Arizona.

He was often seen at his grandchildren's many events. His big, hard working hands matched his loving heart. Now his family is left with a hole in their hearts until they are all together again.

Melvin Michael Reicks died suddenly on Friday, May 9, 2003, surrounded by his family at the Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton, Iowa from a brain aneurysm. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Delbert Reicks, and a brother-in-law, Virgil McGrane.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Marlene; 1 son, Rodney (Lisa) Reicks; 2 daughters, Brenda (Bob) Rausch and Gayla (Bryan) Hugeback, all of New Hampton, Iowa; 8 grandchildren; 1 brother, Roger (Carole) Reicks of Chester, Iowa; 2 sisters, Winnifred McGrane of Chester, Iowa and Alice (Merle) Rethamel of New Hampton, Iowa; 10 nephews and 6 nieces.

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON STANDARD, Wednesday, May 14, 2003