Melvin Schachtschneider

Melvin G. Schachtschneider, 88, formerly of Underwood, died Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the MN Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

He was born May 9, 1924, in Dane Prairie Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the son of Otto and Bertha (Boeder) Schachtschneider. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Melvin attended School District #1387 (old 19) in Dane Prairie Township through the eighth grade.

In May of 1943 Melvin entered the U.S. Army and was stationed as a medical technician with the 204th General Hospital in Guam during WW II. He was discharged in December of 1945.

On February 15, 1948 Melvin married Arlene Moe of Underwood at Fergus Falls. They were married for 63 years. They lived in Fergus Falls, Dalton, Clitherall and for the last 55 years in Underwood.

Melvin was employed at the National Tea Packing Plant in Fergus Falls for 27 years until it closed. He then was employed at the Oak Ridge Turkey Farm near Underwood until he retired at the age of 62.

He was a member of the Sverdrup Lutheran Church, the American Legion George Bergem Post #489 of Underwood for over 60 years, and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 612 in Fergus Falls.

Melvin loved fishing all of his life, whether it was in a boat or on the ice. He bowled for many years on the Farmers League in Fergus Falls, and he also enjoyed horseshoes and gardening.

Melvin had a special place in his heart for all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 63 years, Arlene, and his son, Steven; his parents; brothers Elmer, Arnold, Alfred, Kenneth, August, Kermit, John and Arthur; and sisters Ann, Hazel and Edna. Melvin was the last survivor of his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Susan (Ken) Saurer of Clitherall, son, Barry (Laurie) Schachtschneider of Minot ND, daughter-in-law, Carol Schachtschneider of Fergus Falls; sister-in-law, Esther Schneider of Dalton; grandchildren: Tim Hovde of St. Cloud, Mike Hovde of Perham, Michelle (Greg) Kolrud of West Fargo, Chad (Melissa) Schachtschneider of St. Cloud, Seth Schachtschneider of Fargo, Shane Schachtschneider and Jana Schachtschneider of Fergus Falls, Chase Schachtschneider of Maricopa AZ, and Carly (Jake) Welsch of Burlington ND; great-grandchildren Logan and Brody Matzke of West Fargo, and Mason Hovde of Perham; along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to the Sverdrup Lutheran Church or the Minnesota Veterans Home.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Sverdrup Lutheran Church, Underwood MN
Clergy: Reverend Nancy Monke
Interment: Sverdrup Cemetery, Underwood MN
Military Participation by the Underwood American Legion.
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.