Melvin Schulz

Melvin Carl Richard Schulz, was born on April 24, 1922 on the family farm in Leaf Valley Township, Douglas County, Minnesota, the only child of Ewald and Elsie (Krueger) Schulz. He was baptized on May 21, 1922 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley by Pastor Kleweno. On July 5, 1936, he was confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church by Pastor H.L. Sprengeler. He attended country school through the eighth grade at District 68, Ida Township, Douglas County, Minnesota. Melvin was united in marriage to Dolores Huwe at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Leaf Valley, October 15, 1944, by Pastor H.L. Sprengeler. He remained a member of Ebenezer throughout his life serving during that time as a Sunday School teacher, financial secretary for specials, a trustee and a member of the men?s choir. Melvin farmed his entire life, always believing less in newer machinery and more in hard work and the old methods of farming. In the late 60?s and 70?s he also worked for Bellanca Aircraft until that plant closed, still continuing to farm as well. During the later years, he rented out his farm land but then enjoyed helping Dolores with a huge garden, still bringing in a harvest each year. Melvin lived on the same farm site in Ida Township from the time he was five years old until he entered St. Williams Living Center in 2005. Melvin died on Monday, May 12, 2008, having reached the age of 86 years and 18 days. He died at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie following an extended battle with emphysema and COPD. He is survived by his wife, Dolores of Parkers Prairie; son, Lynn (Sheila) Schulz of Morris, MN; daughter, Paulette (Jerry) Podratz of Maple Plain, MN; eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, brothers-in-laws: Norman Schamber of Elk River, George (Virginia) Ketter of Garfield, Donald Huwe of Prior Lake, Milton Gumm of Parkers Prairie; and sister-in-law, Mary Huwe of Alexandria. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 16, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley with Rev. Kenneth Bunge officiating. Pallbearers were her grandsons: Scott Schulz, Scott Persoon, Derick Podratz, Erik Terwey, Kevin Davis, Jeff Hagen. Burial was at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Leaf Valley. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.