Fennimore, WI-Melvin Gene Klais, age 66, died on Saturday April 25, 2015 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA. Melvin was born on Oct. 9, 1948 in Liberty Township Grant Co., WI the son of Charles and Dorothy (Cooper) Klais. He was united in marriage to Lavon Fritsch on June 6, 1970 in Cobb.
Melvin attended Liberty Ridge, Stitzer, and then Fennimore and graduated in 1967 from Fennimore High School. He was drafted in the U.S. Army in Jan. of 1969 until being honorably discharged in Nov of 1971 serving as a helicopter and truck mechanic in Vietnam. Upon his return, Melvin went to work at John Deere in Dubuque on Feb. 10, 1972 until his retirement on Sept. 30, 2001. He also was employed at Reddy Ag Service of Stitzer, until having to retire due to his declining health. Melvin enjoyed fishing, camping at Blackhawk and River of Lakes, woodworking and playing cards. Melvin was an active member of the St. Paul’s Church, and a 45 year member of the Whitish-Funk American Legion Post #184. Melvin was truly dedicated to his wife, daughter, and was especially proud of his title “grandfather”. Melvin taught by example; He showed his love to his family, demonstrated a hard work ethic, and believed in being one people could count on.
Melvin is survived by his beloved wife Lavon of Fennimore, a daughter Tonia (Josh) Kreisel of Winona, MN, two grandchildren; Joey and Mattie Kreisel, brother Terry (Monica) Klais of Bagley, two sisters; Mary Ann (Lyle) Molzof, Lancaster, Kay (Bob) Bonjour of Darlington, uncle and aunts; Leslie “Chick” (Hazel) Klais of Stitzer, June Klais of Stitzer, Mildred Cooper of Lancaster along with several special nieces and nephews.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in law, Lyle (Arloine) Fritsch, uncles and an aunt; Bert Klais, Robert Cooper, Lorraine (Dayton) Dyke, Raymond Klais.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday April 29, 2015 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Liberty Ridge, with burial to follow in Rock Church Cemetery with Military Honors, rural Livingston. Friends may call from 4-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday April 28, 2015 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Wednesday morning.