September 5, 1921 – Monday, January 19, 2009

Service Information
St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Hannover
Saturday January 24, 2009
11:00 Am

Visitation Information

Melvin Conrad Kottke, age 87, of Howard Lake passed away on Monday, January 19, 2009 at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted, Minnesota.

He was born on September 5, 1921 in Hanover, Minnesota to the late Edward & Eliza (Bechtold) Kottke.

On June 16, 1942, Melvin C. Kottke and Ardis L. Krone, were united in marriage at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Parsonage in Hanover by Pastor Herder.

Melvin was formerly employed as a milk hauler and worked for both Wally Vollbrecht and his brother Leonard Kottke. He also worked for Western Fruit/ Railway. In addition, Melvin & Ardis engaged in dairy farming for many years near Hanover. In 1969, the family moved from Hanover to a dairy farm near Howard Lake, Minnesota.

Melvin was a true baseball fan. He attended Minnesota’s State Amateur Baseball Tournament for over fifty years. He was an avid Howard Lake Orphan fan. Melvin had a extensive baseball hat collection including many from the State Baseball Tournaments over the years. Melvin held conservative views and supported numerous conservative charities over the years. He had a very generous and giving heart. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially when it involved picnics, singing and softball.

Melvin was preceded in death by an infant son, parents; Edward and Eliza Kottke, brothers; Harold, Leonard and Donald, and sisters; Verna Schlief and Arlene Eull.

Survived by his loving wife of sixty six years: Ardis L. Kottke of Howard Lake; eleven children: Joan Kottke of Howard Lake, Beverly (Murray) Reimer of Souris, Manitoba, Canada, Meryl Kottke-Barthel of St. Michael, Clair (Kenneth) Miatech of Plymouth, Kathleen Kottke of Howard Lake, Shirley (John) Erickson of Cokato, Marlin Kottke of Howard Lake, Marson Kottke of Howard Lake, Lorrie (Wayne) Kozitka of Howard Lake, Nancy (Lanny) Anderson of Randall and Sally Kottke of Howard Lake; twenty one grandchildren; Chad (Amanda) Johnston, Newell (Shannon) Johnston, Taylor, Cheyenne and Alystine Reimer, Matthew Barthel, Joey Miatech, Virginia (Mike) Jechorek, Nathan Miatech, Clifford Miatech, Joshua (Amber) Erickson, Jeremiah Erickson, Jenna (Brad) Shaust, Kristin Kottke and fiancé Ben Sanderson, Brandon Kottke, Joy (Matt) Decker, Kelly (Scott) Salmela, Amy Kozitka, Bethany Kozitka, Rebecca (Travis) Hoover, and Elizabeth Anderson; seven great grandchildren; Marlin and Brianna Johnston, Bauer and Eli Erickson, Austin and Brooklyn Decker and Sophie Salmela. Brothers & sisters: Gerhardt (Sandy) Kottke of Hanover, Willard “Bill” Kottke of Golden Valley, Delores (Bob) Masuda of Fridley and Bernetta (Ken) Shannon of Minnetonka; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Melvin Kottke were held on Saturday, January 24th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. Pastor Gorden Estenson officiated and interment followed at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Colleen Johnson was the organist. Congregational hymns were “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Beautiful Savior.” Melvin’s children and grandchildren sang “What a Day That Will Be.”

A visitation was held on Friday, January 23rd from 4-8 P.M. at the church. A Prayer service was held at 7:30 P.M.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family.