Melvin Ziegelman, 95

Melvin Carl Ziegelman, 95, died October 26, 2010 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Alexandria.

Melvin was born July 22, 1915 in Leaf Valley Township to Frank and Emma (Brueske) Ziegelman. He attended grade school in Garfield.

He married Fernyne Russell on March 16, 1938 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield. They lived in Garfield, where he worked at Grosneck’s Hardware. Later, moving to Alexandria, Mel worked long hours at Alexandria Hardware Store. As co-owner and manager, Melvin was a master salesman and loved his relationships with his customers. In all areas of life, Mel worked hard, refusing to let his sight and hearing disabilities slow him down.

He was a conservative man who liked to say, “It’s not how much you make, but it’s how much you save.” He took pride in his ability to help his children, even if it meant he would have to go without. Melvin’s joy in his life was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the church men’s club, he will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Melvin is survived by his sons, Roger and wife, Olga Ziegelman of San Diego, CA, Gordon and wife, Donna Ziegelman of Alexandria; daughters, Evadne and husband, Ed Wadsworth of Alexandria, Lucile and husband, David Cook of Sartell, Pat and husband, Bob Browning of White Bear Lake, and Pam Ziegelman of Hastings; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Hildegard Ziegelman of Alexandria and Marcene Ziegelman of Garfield; brother-in-law, Kenneth Russell of Austin, MN; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Fernyne; eight brothers, Rudolf, William, Elmer, Harry, George, Herbert, Olaf and Clarence; and four sisters, Sophie Nack, Linda Medenwaldt, Irene Bettermann and Hermina Geise.

Funeral Services were held October 29 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. William F. Moeller and the Rev. Terry Finnern officiating. A eulogy was given by Melvin’s eldest son, Roger Ziegelman. Musicians included Mertice Brueske and Dan Olson, with special trumpet selections by Melvin’s grandson, Andrew Dziuk.

Interment was at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery near Garfield. Casket bearers were Brian Ziegelman, Andrew Dziuk, Jeff Wadsworth, Steve Wadsworth, Dave Cook and Craig Cook. Honorary casket bearers were Julie Mindach, Susan Wadsworth, Barbara Martinson, Cathy Slavik, Ann Marie Mason, Christine Walker, Lisa Zaun and Ashley Dziuk.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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