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| Melvin Lester Gaetzke, 83 |
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| Written by TRF Times |
 Thief River Falls - Melvin Lester Gaetzke, 83, of Thief River Falls, formerly of Littlefork, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2012 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls.Memorial services will be held at a later date in Littlefork, Minnesota. Melvin was born in Wadena, on May 31, 1929, the son of Otto and Agnes (Werth) Gaetzke. He grew up in Wadena and at the age of 16 moved to Littlefork with his family. Melvin was a proud Korean veteran, serving in the Army. On Sept. 19, 1953, Melvin and Anna Obermaier were united in marriage. Together, they lived and raised their three children in the Littlefork area. In 2010, Melvin and Annie relocated to Thief River Falls. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, building, tractors, Harleys, John Wayne movies, polka music, dancing with Annie, and telling stories. Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Annie of Thief River Falls; children, Julie Ann Erickson of Grand Rapids, Melvin (Mary) Gaetzke Jr. of Littlefork, and Tammy (Gordon) Dale of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Wanda (John) McCarroll, Ronald (DiAnna) Erickson, Adam (Kayla) Gaetzke, Carmen (Tyrel) Hazelton, Joshua Dale, Luke (Jamie) Dale, Shiane Dale, and Daniel Lockskin; great-grandchildren, Mitch, Kevin, Bradley, Haylee, Natalie, Caleb, Nathan, Daniel, Conor, Emma, and Arayah; brother, Stanley (Kae) Gaetzke; as well as many cousins, relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Bob and Jim, and sister, Darlene McGuire. A00003B2012AG15  |
