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Melvin John Bode

GIBBON — Melvin John Bode, age 90 of Gibbon died Friday, January 14, 2021, at the Southview Living Center in Gibbon.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke Township. Pastor Benjamin Rucker will officiate, and burial will follow in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Moltke Township.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:30 pm on Friday, and continue from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke Township.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of Gibbon are assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Melvin John Bode was born August 25, 1930, in New Ulm to John W. and Alice (Boeder) Bode. He was baptized into the faith on September 7, 1930, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Moltke Township by Pastor Carl Lueker. He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Moltke, and was confirmed on May 14, 1944, by Pastor Rhode. Melvin graduated from SAUM School of Agriculture – University of Minnesota in 1949. Melvin was united in marriage to Lois L. Buerkle on August 10, 1952, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church by his uncle, Pastor Reinhold Bode. Melvin started farming with his father and took over the farm in 1954. In 1966, he worked with Aid Association for Lutherans for a few years, but decided farming was more fun, and with all the kids, why not milk cows again. Farming with the family was something he was so proud of. He enjoyed collecting old tractors, and his favorite job was cutting alfalfa. Melvin raised calves for the dairy well into his 80’s. He enjoyed making road ditch hay and seeding small grain, always with JD two cylinders. He loved to visit with friends for coffee at 3:30 at Fenske’s Café and people at the State Bank of Gibbon always enjoyed his humor. Melvin retired from feeding calves before his hip replacement in December of 2015 and spent more time in his recliner watching RFD TV. Two years ago, he reluctantly moved to South View Living in Gibbon when he could no longer be cared for at home. It took a while, but eventually the staff won him over. Mom visited with him every day she could. Melvin died January 14, 2021, with his family by his side. Blessed be his memory.

Melvin was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Moltke Township. He was s a charter member of the St. Peter’s Men’s Group which was started in 1966 with 24 members and helped with many of the early pancake and sausage dinners. He also enjoyed singing with the Men’s Choir.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Bode of Gibbon; his sons and daughters-in-law, Vance (Jolene) Bode of Gibbon, Keith (Jean) Bode of Fairfax, Arlen (Becky) Bode of Gibbon, Neil (Sheila) Bode of New Ulm; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda (Lyle) Honebrink of Mayer, daughter, Clarine (friend Paul Merkins) Howe of Hutchinson; 25 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Kramer of New Ulm; brother, Glenn (Lois) Bode of New Ulm; sister-in-law, Loreen Nemitz of Ismay, Montana; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marlys and Donald Bergeman of Madelia.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1988, his mother in 2005; son-in-law, Alan Howe in 1997; his brother, Lorenz in 2012; grandson, Caleb Bode in 1988; brothers-in-law, Dave Nemitz, LeRoy Kramer; and sister-in-law, Judy Bode.

Mvfh.org

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