Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Catholic church in Fairfax with Father Brian Oestreich. Burial will follow in St. Andrew’s Catholic cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 and will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday before mass, all at St. Andrew’s Catholic church in Fairfax. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Melvin is survived by his wife, Mary Eckstein of Fairfax; sons, Brian (Brandi) Eckstein of Buffalo Lake and Jeff (Mesa) Eckstein of Maple Grove; daughters, Renae (Paul “Wally”) Schwarzrock of Gibbon and Sara (Chris) Schweiss of North Mankato; grandchildren, Allie and Lexie Eckstein, Sloan and Fallon Eckstein, Kora Schwarzrock, Cole, Shay, Jace, and Jaxson Schweiss, plus many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Laura Eckstein; granddaughter, Jada Schwarzrock; and siblings, Gladys Portner, Tony Eckstein, and Jim Eckstein.

Melvin Victor Eckstein was born September 24, 1949 in Sleepy Eye, MN to Anton and Laura (Schiller) Eckstein. Born and raised on the farm, Melvin’s life was rooted in agriculture and being outdoors. He graduated from Hector Public High School in 1969 receiving an FFA State Farmer award as a senior. After graduation, he served his country in the National Guard from September 1969 until July 1975. Melvin met Mary Ellen Hartmann in 1969 at a local ballroom dance, a shared pastime they enjoyed for many years. They were married on September 22, 1972, at St. Willibrord’s Catholic Church in Gibbon. Together, they raised four children on a farm north of Fairfax. Melvin loved his job and enjoyed the challenge and entrepreneurial freedom of farming. His spring, summer and fall days were always jam-packed. He made the most of winter with endless hours of family logistics, cooking, maintenance, finance, and travel. Melvin was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Outside of farming, his faith, and his family, he enjoyed the simple pleasures, mostly an endless list of local activities, kids’ sporting events, and random gatherings. Melvin loved accomplishing tasks and helping others do the same.

He was also always ready to welcome a visitor to the shop for a story, a laugh, and a cold beer, often as closure to a long day. Adventurous at heart, Melvin rode motorcycles and ATVs, enjoyed boating, waterskiing and time at the lake, and even went skydiving in his late 60’s, adding another chapter to a life well-lived. His connection to so many people in so many different ways was uplifting.

For the past 20 years, he and Mary spent their winters in Florida, where they enjoyed sunshine, new friendships, a parade of visitors, and most importantly time together.

Above all, Melvin was proud of his family and the life he and Mary built together. His presence will be deeply missed. Blessed be his memory.

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