Melvin F. Werkmeister, 92 years old, of Maywood, Nebraska, passed away on February 16, 2020 in McCook, Nebraska.
Melvin was born on January 29, 1928 to Adolph and Ella (Klug) Werkmeister in Hayes County, Nebraska. He was one of nine children. Melvin attended the Valley School in Hayes County where he graduated from the 8th Grade.
After school he worked on the family farm. In 1946, he was drafted into the United States Army during WWII. He served his time in Japan guarding prisoners. He was honorable discharged from the military in 1947. Melvin returned home to Hayes County where he continued farming. When he wasn't farming, you could find him playing baseball. He played on the teams for Quick, Maywood & White. Melvin also played baseball on a team in Japan.
On June 17, 1950, he married Lucille Large at Culbertson, Nebraska. they were blessed with four children; Alvin, Allan, Verneta, and Julie. He continued to play baseball after the children were born. He also enjoyed listening to polka music, playing cards, and big family get-togethers. Melvin was on a Men's Bowling League and a men's trap shooting team.
Melvin took pride in his farming and loved working the land. Melvin retired from farming in 1998. He and Lucille then moved into Maywood, Nebraska. You can take the boy out of the country, but you couldn't take the country out of the boy! Melvin continued to drive out to the farm and helped Alvin and Allan for many years. He enjoyed his country drives, which he did until the last year of his life. He and Lucille loved having family stop by. They would always be at the window waving when you got there and waving again when you left. The highlight of their later years was having the grandkids show up with all the great-grandkids in tow. Out would come the little red wagon loaded with toys. The kids always knew there would be cookies and ice cream!
Melvin was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lucille; his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, Leo & Jean Werkmeister, Max & Donna Werkmeister; brothers, Earnest, Elgie and Raymond; a sister, Darlene Werkmeister; and a brother-in-law, Chet Bennett.
Melvin is survived by his sons, Alvin (Sina Jo) of Maywood, Nebraska and Allan of Curtis, Nebraska; his daughters, Verneta Werkmeister of Maywood, Nebraska and Julie (Kevin) Johnson of Keensburg, Colorado. He is also survived by six grandchildren and 16 great granchildren: Bobbi (Lance) Dilfer, Shelby & Jared; Luke (Lisa) Werkmeister, Ryan Steven, Katelyn, Nathan & Joslyn; Marc (Jessica) Werkmeister, Britton, Berkely, & Wallace; Jayde (Gary) Koch, Rosie & Ezekiel; Christopher (Michelle) Werkmeister, Winston, Gertis, Prudence & Lennon; and Michael (Dani) Werkmeister; sisters, Lois Bennet of Niwot, Colorado and Arlene Werkmeister of Longmont Colorado; sisters-in-law, Betty Werkmeister of Maywood, Nebraska, Pat Werkmeister of California, Roberta Werkmeister of Palisade, Nebraska; along with many extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Curtis, Nebraska on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Graveside Services will be held at Maywood Cemetery in Maywood, Nebraska on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors.
Memorials may be given to the Maywood Community Center of the donor's choice.