Vernon Melchert

VERNON MELCHERT

Hopkinton

Vernon Melchert, 87, of Hopkinton, died Thursday evening, Feb. 12, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family following an illness of several months. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Hopkinton. Interment: Hopkinton Cemetery, with military honors. The Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate at the services. Visitation will be from 2 until 7 p.m. Sunday at the church, starting with the Knights of Columbus rosary at 2 p.m. and immediately following with the parish vigil service. Friends may call again after 9 a.m. Monday as well.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Therese; seven daughters, Peg McNamara, Ryan, Diana Melchert, Arlington, Texas, Paula (Leo) Woods, Ryan, Lynne (George) Cantu, Austin, Texas, Gayle (Kevin) Funke, Hopkinton, Marla (Bill) Wright, Mount Vernon, and Joyce (Dave) George, Coppell, Texas; three sons, Jim (Pam), Hopkinton, Kevin (Miquel), Cedar Rapids, and Corey (Tammy), Hopkinton; 25 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Don McNamara; a grandson, Kyle Woods; and six siblings, Clifford, Alfred, Clarence, Harold, Marie Recker and Laura Melchert.

Vernon Melchert was born Nov. 28, 1927, in Delaware County, Iowa, near Hopkinton, the son of Matthew and Elizabeth Uhlenkamp Melchert. Vernon attended rural schools near his home. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Vernon worked various jobs in the area until he started farming in 1952. Vernon and Therese Becker were married Aug. 20, 1951, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Hopkinton.

Vernon was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Hopkinton Lions Club. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed bowling for Melchert Seeds. He loved to play cards, especially solo.