Melvin Koch, 87

Melvin Koch, age 87 of Garvin passed away Friday, October 1, 2010 at his home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday October 4, at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy.  Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.  Interment is in Hoiland Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.tracyareafuneralhome.com.  The Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Melvin Koch was born November 15, 1922 near Wanda, Minnesota to John and Metha (Tesch) Koch.  He was baptized on December 10, 1922 and confirmed June 27, 1937, both at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wanda by Rev. Langholz.  Melvin attended Wanda Public School.  On January 22, 1945, Melvin enlisted in the US Navy and served with the Seabees.  He received his honorable discharge on June 11, 1946.  Melvin was united in marriage to Delpha Nelson on January 23, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota.  The couple was blessed with 63 wonderful years of marriage.  Melvin loved farming and raising Charolais cattle.  The day before his passing, he had the chance to ride in the combine and he said he “got to see the best bean crop of his life.”  Melvin loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors, and played “500” in the neighborhood card club for many years.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delpha of Garvin; sons: Allan (Janette) Koch and Bruce (Phyllis) Koch all of Garvin; grandsons: Kyle Koch of Warroad, MN, Mark (Lisa) Koch and their daughter Mariah of Plymouth, MN, Jim (Megan) Koch and their children Grace, Patience, Lily, and Hudson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Brian Koch of Garvin; brother Leonard Koch of Lamberton; sister Helen Nachtman of Lamberton; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Erna Meinert and Alma Cook, and brothers Elmer Koch and Edwin “Duke” Koch.