Melvin Henry Foertsch

Melvin was born Jan. 10, 1927, the son of John and Clara (Pausch) Foertsch in Barney Township. He attended grade school in Barney Township until 1938; moving with his parents to Wyndmere Township where he finished grade school and attended high school. Melvin helped his father farm until he entered the US Army in Jan. of 1946. He took his basic training at Camp Plouche, New Orleans, LA. He served in Hawaii as a PFC until receiving an honorable discharge in July 1947.

Melvin married Beatrice Davis of Mooreton on March 28, 1951. They farmed in Wyndmere Township prior to buying land in Homestead Township and raised six children. Melvin and Beatrice moved into Wyndmere in November of 1995 and kept active in farming.

Melvin was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a sixty year member of the Wyndmere American Legion. He loved working in his shop and was known for his inventive wood creations. He enjoyed helping his neighbors around town with handyman activities like shingling, siding and painting. He especially treasured his time with (and teasing) his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Melvin is surved by his wife Beatrice, Wyndmere; six children, Michael (Diane) Foertsch, Eagan, MN, David (Diane) Foertsch, Jackson, WY, Linda Rhodenbaugh, Fargo, ND, Lori (Douglas) Peterson, Eagle Bend, MN, Mary Brecht, fried Dwight Mattheis, Bulah, ND, and Todd (Heidi) Foertsch, Wyndmere; 14 grandchildren, Tonya (Brad) Abel, Derek (Heather) Rhodenbaugh, Candi (Jason) Mohl, Sabrina (Jeremy) Anderson, Jay (Ashley) Rhodenbaugh, Stephen Foertsch, Crystal Brecht, Alec Foertsch, Emily Foertsch, Shelby Peterson, Brogan Foertsch, Casey Peterson, Caleb Foertsch, and Reisha Foertsch; 13 great-grandchildren, his two sisters, Isabelle Howe, Laguna Woods, CA; and Mary Ann Blazek, West Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preced in death by his parents; his son Steven; three brothers and two sisters, L.J. "Louie", Raymond, Joseph Foertsch, Hildegard Lunde and Eleanor Durkee.