Melvin Lukes

Melvin Gerald Lukes was born May 23, 1925 in Reynolds Township, MN, the son of Anton and Sylvia (Brooks) Lukes. Melvin began his career as a Butter Maker at a very young age. He was an apprentice Butter Maker at the creamery in Gutches Grove, MN. He was interested in bettering his career, so he accepted a position at the Millerville Creamery as the Head Butter Maker. Melvin met his wife Tillie, while renting a room from John and Barbara Klimek in Millerville. Melvin and Tillie married on August 29, 1950 at The Church of Seven Dolors in Millerville and were married for fifty-three years. To the union of this marriage were born seven children. Melvin and Tillie moved to Alexandria in 1951 where Melvin worked as a laborer in the construction at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital. Later, he became the Custodian at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Melvin was very proud of the care he took of the church, school, rectory, convents and cemetery. Mel left this position after nineteen years. His final formal job was the Head Maintenance Position at Juno Tool. Melvin retired from this position at age sixty-two. Melvin never really retired. He was always known as "Mr. Fix It"! There was nothing that Mel could not fix, repair or maintain. Friends, neighbors and family knew that Mel had this special talent and he was never left without something to tinker with! Mel kept busy making homemade gifts for his children and grandchildren for Christmas and other special occasions. Mel also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, sons and whoever would go. Ice fishing was his favorite. Mel and Tillie loved going to the VFW and to the Corral to listen to old time music. Melvin Gerald Lukes age 89, passed away peacefully at Knute Nelson on July 29, 2014. He is survived by his children, Mark (Betty) Lukes, Peter (Theresa) Lukes, Francis Lukes, Kevin Lukes, and Loren (Diane) Lukes; twenty grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one brother, Ben (Judy) Lukes. Melvin is preceded in death by his wife, Mathilda; parents Anton & Sylvia Lukes; step-mother, Rose Lukes; brothers James and Kenneth Lukes; children, Sylvia and Leonard Lukes; and grandson, Kaleb Lukes. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, August 2, 2014 the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld was the celebrant. Entombment followed in St. Mary?s Cemetery. Casket bearers included Kevin Lukes, Dennis Lukes, Denise Lukes, Kendra Burgett, Ben Lukes and Steph Gongar. Honorary casket bearers included Louis & Helen Zinsli, Ben & Judy Lukes, Frances Otto and Delleen Klimek. Arrangements were with Anderson Funeral Home.