SWEA CITY, Iowa — Melvin M. Engelbarts died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at Kossuth Regional Heath Center in Algona, Iowa, at the age of 93. A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Swea City, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft.

Melvin M. Engelbarts was born Oct. 18, 1923, in rural Ledyard, Iowa, the son of Otto and Bertha (Christ) Engelbarts. Melvin grew up in Ledyard. He attended Ledyard School until the eighth grade. Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 15, 1943, and was honorably discharged on April 4, 1946.

After his naval service, Melvin was united in marriage to Betty Jane Beadle on Oct. 10, 1946, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Swea City. He worked for Linde Implement for a short time. Melvin and Betty farmed their entire married life in northern Kossuth County, retiring in 1991 and moving into Swea City. They enjoyed “Old Time” dancing.

He loved being with his family, especially being around the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling and fishing.

Melvin was a lifelong member of the VFW in Algona and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Swea City.

He is survived by his children, Darwin (Betsy) Engelbarts of Titonka, Diane (James) Bassett of Kansas City, Mo., Donna (Dean) Hilbert of Luverne, and Dwayne (Howard) Engelbarts of Richfield, Minn.; son-in-law, Jack Plathe of Algona; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Engelbarts of Elmore, Minn., and Christ (Beth) Engelbarts of Swea City; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Betty Jane; daughters, Sheryl Plathe and Susan Mergen; brother, Elmer Engelbarts; and a sister-in-law, Irene.

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]