Albert Melkert

Albert E. Melkert, 83, a resident of rural Erhard, Minnesota, died Sunday, September 9, 2007 at his home under the care of Lakeland Hospice. He was born August 28, 1924, near Erhard, Minnesota, the son of Alma (Rowland) and Albert Melkert, Sr. He was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, and confirmed at Bagstevold Lutheran Church in Erhard. He grew up in the Erhard area, attending country school there. On January 20, 1952 he married Wylene Rix at the Bagstevold Lutheran Church. He spent his life dairy farming in Erhards Grove Township. He continued to work on the farm even after retirement helping out until just recently. He served on the church council and was a past member of the Eagles. Albert and Wylene loved dancing, traveling, and visiting with relatives, friends and neighbors. Preceding him in death were his great grandson, Samuel Baumgartner; his parents, Alma and Albert Melkert, Sr.; five brothers: William Melkert, Harold Melkert, Clifford Melkert, Emil Melkert and Buddy Melkert; five sisters: Ruby Matson, Gladys Lehn, Evelyn Lehn, Viola Gulleckson, and Hilda Brown. Survivors include his wife, Wylene, of Erhard; children: Danny (Cheryl) Melkert of Rothsay, Greg (DeAnn) Melkert of Erhard, Becky (Jim) Baumgartner of Breckenridge, Kevin (Linda) Melkert of Breckenridge, and Brian (Lisa) Melkert of Southaven, Mississippi; grandchildren: Lisa (Peter Fiala) Melkert, Amie (Jason) Chouinard, Allison Melkert, Ryan Melkert, Maggie Melkert, Drew Sondeland, Jenna Sondeland, Larry (Erica) Baumgartner, Jason (Rachelle) Baumgartner, Nicole Richard (friend Troy), Ashley Melkert (fiance` Richie Shannon), Courtney Melkert, and Gregory Melkert; great-grandchildren: Dylan Baumgartner, Max Baumgartner, Benna Baumgartner, Abby and Josie Chouinard; two sisters: Lois (Bill) Sheide of Orem, Utah, and Myrtle Johnson of Oakley, CA; and one sister-in-law, Irene Melkert of Rothsay. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a public prayer service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard Clergy:     Reverends Todd Hylden and Kent Groethe Burial:     Bagstevold Cemetery, Erhard Arrangements:Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com