Melvin Charles Joenks, 1920-2006

JOENKS, PAINE

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/2/2011 at 19:53:34

Melvin Charles Joenks, the son of Charles and Cora (Batcheler) Joenks, was born January 17, 1920, southwest of Royal, IA. The family soon moved to a farm one mile east of Royal where Melvin spent his formative years. His early education was taught in a one-room schoolhouse, later attending Royal High School and graduated in 1937. Melvin went to work for Art Johnson who ran a John Deere dealership in Peterson, IA. In 1940 he moved with Charles and Cora to the current farm near Rossie, IA. Melvin then attended the Industrial Training Institute of Chicago, IL, where he earned a diploma in Air Conditioning Service Engineering.

After the events of December 7, 1941, Melvin was selected early in the draft. His refrigeration degree helped secure a position with the Quarter Master Corps. He was stationed in the port of Oran, Algeria. However, he was not destined to remain in the back lines for long. After military set backs at Anzio, the Army needed more men. Melvin was transferred to Company D 133rd Regiment of the 34th "Red Bull" battalion. Melvin's service on the front lines was exemplary for which he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star citation. After the war he returned to the family farm near Rossie. He and his brother, Ken, started an auto and farm equipment repair shop in Rossie, and for several years also sold Massey-Harris equipment.

On June 22, 1958 Melvin married Marilyn Joan Paine in Renwick, IA. Following their marriage, they bought a house and moved to Rossie. At this time, Melvin's interests included model railroading, antique cars, tractors, and farm equipment. He was active with the American Legion Post in Peterson, IA. In 1977 the Joenks Brothers Garage closed in Rossie after more than 30 years of business in the community. Melvin then went to work as a maintenance technician for the Van Ladder Company of Spencer, IA, until the company went out of business in the early 1980s. In his retirement years, Melvin enjoyed spending time with the American Legion Post in Royal, church groups, antique cars, tractors, farm equipment, his grandchildren along with other family and friends.

Melvin passed away on January 17, 2006 at Longhouse Residence at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn; his brother, Ken; and infant daughter, Melva.

He is survived by his son, Marvin Joenks and wife, Heather, his grandchildren, Emily and Natalie of Spencer, IA and his other son, Mark Joenks of Greenville, IA; his sister-in-law, Hilda Joenks of Royal, IA; his nephew, Ronnie Joenks and wife, Barb of Rossie, IA; his niece, Judy Langholz and her husband, Ronny of Royal, IA; numerous grand nieces and nephews and many friends.

Melvin's life was the ultimate role model for his sons; never to brag but always willing to meet great challenges head on.

Interment in Willow Creek cemetery