Melvin Ykema

MELVIN YKEMA was born to Henry and Jennie (Hoekstra) Ykema on June 11, 1925 on a farm near Hudson, South Dakota. When he was two years old Melvin moved with his parents to Hawarden, Iowa where he attended country school. Upon completion of his education he worked on the family farm until 1946. In 1949, Melvin began trucking with his brother. On August 24, 1948, Melvin was united in marriage to Wilmina Wittebrood in Rock Valley, Iowa. Following their marriage, he continued trucking with his brother and farmed near Hawarden and Hudson, South Dakota. In 1962, he and his family moved to Luverne, Minnesota where Melvin became employed at Iowa Beef Processors. He worked there for 25 years until his retirement in 1988. During this time he also worked at Herman Goehle Real Estate for five years. Throughout his retirement Melvin held various odd jobs and took pleasure in helping others however he could. Wilmina preceded him in death on November 20, 1998. Melvin continued to live in their home and remained very active. The last job he held was a 2010 census taker. On Saturday, March 12, 2011 Melvin died at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne at the age of 85 years, 9 months, and one day.

Melvin was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne, Minnesota. He enjoyed restoring tractors and scrolling wood. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Karen Ykema of American Canyon, California; three sons, Greg and his wife Charlotte of Bozeman, Montana, Darrel and his wife Jill of Luverne, and Brad and his wife Laurel of Jasper, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Tony and his wife Wanda of Tempe, Arizona, Lawrence of Wentworth, South Dakota, and Norman and his wife Evelyn of Luverne; three sisters, Joyce and her husband John Feenstra of Allendale, Michigan, Madeline Wallinga of Grandhaven, Michigan, and Anita Van Maanen of Rock Valley, Iowa; sister-in-law, Hermina Ykema of Allendale, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilmina; parents, Henry and Jennie; two brothers, August and Bernard; sister-in-law, Lois Ykema; and brothers-in-law, Paul Wallinga and Henry Van Maanen.

A tree will be dedicated by Sanford Luverne Hospice in memory of Melvin.