Obituaries from the week of February 27, 2002

Melvin Goltz, 84

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 22, 2002 for Melvin Goltz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton. Pastor Steven Quist officiated. Julie Erickson was soloist with Lisa Parker as organist.

Casket bearers were Kevin Henkel, Kent Henkel, Todd Erickson, Greg Erickson, Leo Lindquist, Gary Goltz and Glen Mitzner.

Melvin Goltz was born on February 11, 1918 (one of 12 children) to Robert and Pauline (Mitzner) Goltz in Balaton, MN. At the age of 6, the family moved to Tintah, MN and later Herman, MN. Melvin was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He returned to Balaton after his school years and worked for M.N. Mattson's Implement business. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and served 6 years as an electrician in the Pacific Theatre.

On July 23, 1948 Melvin married Janice Miller in Marshall, MN and the couple made their home in Balaton. Melvin returned to work for Mattson's until 1953 when he purchased the business as a partnership, renaming it G&S Implement Co., Inc. In 1962, he sold the company and went to work in Tracy, MN for Ruthenbeck & Krieg and later Petersen-Baack Implement, also in Tracy, until his retirement in 1975. In the early 1960's Melvin purchased the Tracy Farm Supply, which he operated for several years.