Melvin John Klimek

Melvin J. Klimek, age 90, of Alexandria, died on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria with Father Matthew Kuhn officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409. Private family interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery Columbarium.   

Visitation is one hour prior to the service. 

Melvin John Klimek was born on March 31, 1933, to George and Ida (Thoennes) Klimek on his grandparents' farm in Leaf Mountain Township. He was raised in a home with a strong Catholic faith. Melvin was baptized at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Millerville and confirmed at St. Mary's Church in Alexandria. Melvin attended country school near Brandon, then continued from fourth grade on in Alexandria. He worked on the family farm before enlisting in the U.S. Army serving as a Specialist 3 in France from 1954 to 1956. Following his honorable discharge, Melvin was united in marriage to Ardell Schjei on February 12, 1957. The couple farmed southeast of Alexandria, where they raised their family and eventually retired in 2004. Their retirement years were partially spent in Texas, enjoying winters there for 15 years. Melvin was an active community member, serving as commander in the VFW, member of the American Legion Post #87, Knights of Columbus, St. Mary's Church, a board member of Lake Region Co-op, and school board member for Hazel Hill Country School District. His passions included fishing, bowling, and, above all, time spent with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Keith Klimek; grandson, Matthew Klimek; granddaughter-in-law, Shana Zins; great-grandchildren infants, Savanna Miller, Boe Zins, and Richie Zins; sister, Jean DeMartelaere; son-in-law, Michael Zins; sisters-in-law, Ardis Schmidt, Karen Schjei, and Doreen Schjei; brothers-in-law, Hubert DeMartelaere, Irving Lorenz, Kenneth Schjei, Orvin Schjei, Orris Schjei, and Clayton Schjei.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ardell; five sons, Bill (Denice) Klimek of Osakis, Larry (Carol) Klimek of Elk River, Dave (Leeann) Klimek of St. Cloud, Duane (Michelle) Klimek and Paul (Christin) Klimek both of Alexandria; three daughters, Debra (Terry) Nelson and Kimberly (Richard) Zins both of Glenwood, and Pamela (Larry) Matthiesen of St. Augusta; three brothers, Romie (Arlene) Klimek of Glenwood, Jerry (Joyce) Klimek of Osakis, and Richard (Shirley) Klimek of Garfield; sister, Darlene (Kenneth) Johnson of Alexandria; sisters-in-law, Avis Lorenz, and Judy Schjei; 23 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Pallbearers are Nick Klimek, Kelby Klimek, Cody Klimek, Adam Zins, Tessa Klimek, Raymond Zins, Tara Feifarek, and Mercedes Klimek.  Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.