Melvin Werkmeister

Melvin F. Werkmeister, 92 years old, of Maywood, NE passed away on Feb. 16, 2020 in McCook NE.

Melvin was born on Jan. 29, 1928 to Adolph and Ella (Klug) Werkmeister in Hayes County. He was one of nine children. Melvin attended the Valley School in Hayes County where he graduated from the 8th
grade.

After school he worked on the family farm. In 1946 he was drafted into the United States Army during WWII.  He served his time in Japan guarding prisoners.  He was honorably discharged from the military in 1947.  Melvin returned home to Hayes County where he continued farming. When he wasn't farming you could find him playing baseball.  He played on the teams for Quick, Maywood and White.  Melvin also played baseball on a team in Japan.

On June 17th, 1950 he married Lucille Large at Culbertson, NE.  They were blessed with four children; Alvin, Allan, Verneta, and Julie.  He continued to play baseball after the children were born.  He also enjoyed listening to polka music, playing cards, and big family get together's.  Melvin was on a Men's bowling league and a men's trap shooting team.

Melvin took pride in his farming and loved working the land. Melvin retired from farming in 1998. He and Lucille then moved into Maywood.  You can take the boy out of the country but you couldn't take the country out of the boy!   Melvin continued to drive out to the farm and helped Alvin and Allan for many years.  He enjoyed his country drives in which he did until the last year of his life.  He and Lucille loved having family stop by.  They would always be at the window waving when you got there and waving again when you left.  The highlight in their later years was having the grandkids show up with all the great-grandkids in tow.  Out would come the little red wagon loaded with toys.  The kids always knew there would be cookies and ice cream!

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Lucille of 69 years; his parents, brothers and sisters in law: Leo & Jean Werkmeister, Max & Donna Werkmeister, Brothers: Earnest, Elgie and Raymond; sister, Darlene
Werkmeister and brother-in-law Chet Bennett.

Melvin is survived by his sons Alvin (Sina Jo) of Maywood and Allan of Curtis; daughters Verneta Werkmeister of Maywood and Julie (Kevin) Johnson of Keensburg, CO. Six grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren: Bobbi (Lance) Dilfer, Shelby & Jared; Luke (Lisa) Werkmeister, Ryan, Steven, Katelyn, Nathan, & Joslyn; Marc (Jessica) Werkmeister, Britton, Berkley & Wallace; Jayde (Gary) Koch, Rosie & Ezekiel; Christoper (Michelle) Werkmeister, Winston, Gertie, Prudence & Lennon; Michael (Dani) Werkmeister. Sisters Lois Bennett, Niwot, CO and Arlene Werkmeister, Longmont, CO; Sisters in law, Betty Werkmeister, Maywood; Pat Werkmeister, California, Roberta Werkmeister, Palisade; along with many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, Nebraska; Thursday, February 20, 2020, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Graveside Services will be held at Maywood Cemetery, Maywood, NE on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11:00 am with military honors.

Memorials may be given to the Maywood Community Center or Donors Choice.