Melvin Bakker

RENVILLE — Services for Melvin G. Bakker, 90, of Renville, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church north of Renville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Renville. Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the services at the church north of Renville.

Melvin died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at the RenVilla Nursing Home in Renville.

Melvin G. Bakker was born June 15, 1928, north of Renville to John G. and Grace (Sietsema) Bakker. He grew up north of Renville and attended country school in Crooks Township. He later graduated from Renville High School in 1946. Melvin was united in marriage to Lois Jean Hokanson on May 27, 1950, at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church north of Renville. They lived in Renville for a short time and then moved to a farm between Renville and Sacred Heart. They later moved to their farm north of Renville and Melvin has resided there since. Melvin farmed for many years, and during this time he also drove truck and worked as a mechanic and a blacksmith. He was a lifelong member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder/Trustee and an usher. He enjoyed farming, fixing things, attending auctions, horses, hunting with friends in his younger years, and riding motorcycle well into his eighties.

Survivors include his four sons: Douglas (and Sharon) Bakker of Willmar, Steven of Renville, John of Renville, and Dick (and Margaret) Bakker of Marshall; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; his sister Donna Mae Lien of Granite Falls, sister-in-law Pat Bakker of Granite Falls and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois Jean in 1985, his brother Dale, and his brother-in-law Robert Lien.