Services for Melvin Eskeli

 

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN with Rev. Jonathan Dodson officiating.  Burial will follow at Finnish Cemetery, rural Plummer, MN.

 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN.  Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Saturday at the church.

 

Melvin Karl Eskeli was born on June 28, 1932 on the Eskeli Family Farm in Emardville Township, Red Lake County, MN the son of Nick and Ilmi (Marttila) Eskeli.  He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN.  Melvin graduated from Pershing High School in Plummer, MN with the class of 1950.

 

Melvin stayed home to work on the family farm until 1952 when his brother, Edward returned from his service in the United States Army, at which time, Melvin enlisted into service with the United States Army.  He was stationed in Germany as a Military Policeman and was Honorably Discharged in 1954.    Melvin was awarded a medal as a Sharpshooter & Marksman. 

 

He returned to work on the family farm.  In 1958, Melvin met his future wife, Rosemary Lund, on a blind date.  On June 27, 1959 the couple were married at Sand Valley Lutheran Church in Trail, MN and made their home in Chicago, IL where Melvin worked as a painter with his brother, Martin.  In 1963 they returned to make their home on their farm in Emardville Township east of Plummer, MN where they operated a dairy farm and raised their six children. 

 

Melvin retired from dairy farming in the fall of 1989, but continued to raise beef cattle and small grains.  He was proud to have his sons take over the farming operation and enjoyed lending a hand when needed.  Rosemary passed away in the spring of 2001 and Melvin continued to live on the farm until 2008 when he moved into Plummer.

 

Melvin was a member of the Emardville Township Board, Plummer American Legion Post 623, Pershing High School School Board, Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, and served as the Finnish Cemetery President as well as many other Plummer community activities.

 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and outdoor activities in his younger years.  Melvin was a family oriented man who enjoyed time with his siblings, children and grandchildren.  He was proud of his Finnish heritage and enjoyed his sauna time. 

 

Survivors include his six children, Lonnie (Julie) Eskeli of Newport News, VA, Wesley (Jeannie Schmidt) Eskeli of Fosston, MN, Eric (Gina) Eskeli of Plainfield, IL, David (DeeAnn) Eskeli, Steven (Andrea) Eskeli and Lisa (Ryan) Thompson all of Plummer, MN; 14 grandchildren, Aaron, Nick, Nick, Alexandra, Samantha, Zachary, Isaac, Matthew, Kaylee, Calyssa, Tyler, Olin, Gunnar and Thor; brother, Edward Eskeli of McIntosh, MN; sister-in-law, Fern Eskeli of Thief River Falls, MN and many other relatives and friends.

 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; grandson, Justin; parents; and siblings, Wilma (Tom) Huotari, Helen (Charlie) Fremling, Aini Eskeli, Leonard (Marcelline) Eskeli, Woodrow (Laina) Eskeli, Leo (Amelia) Eskeli, and Martin Eskeli.

 

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com