Melvin F. "Mel" Krause

Melvin Fermin Krause was born to Fermin and Josephine (Bax) Krause on September 30, 1925 at Ohiowa, NE and passed away at Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva on April 23, 2017 at the age of 91 years, 6 months and 24 days. He was one of six children and attended grade school in Ohiowa, Strang and Geneva, and later graduated from Geneva High School in 1944. Melvin served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, stationed in Saipan during WWII. Melvin then started his career as an auto mechanic at Ralph Stanford Ford Garage which later became Huss-Laird Motors and later Melton-Issler Motors. Melvin left Melton-Issler Motors in 1984 to open his own business, Mel’s Automotive, Inc., retiring in 2014. Melvin took great pride in ensuring his customers were well taken care of and no one was ever a stranger. On September 12, 1954 he married Carolyn Pearson at Shickley Methodist Church. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage which were spent in the house that was built by Melvin and his father. Melvin and Carolyn were blessed with three children: Karen, Brad and JoAnn. Melvin enjoyed many hobbies over the years including motorcycle hill climb competitions, obtaining private and commercial pilot licenses and an instrument license, square dancing, woodworking, golf and playing cards. Melvin was actively involved in church leadership and activities and enjoyed anything involving music; he especially enjoyed singing in the church choir and learning to play the violin at age 80. After retirement, Melvin developed a love for making many intricate and decorative designs on his scroll saw which he often shared with family and friends. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Alvin (infant) and Lolan; sisters Erma Hurst and Darlene Nienhueser; grandson Joshua Krause and nephew Larry Cohagan. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of Geneva; children Karen (Allen) Ladman of Wilber, NE; Bradley (Joline) Krause of Columbus, NE; JoAnn Sutton (Greg Knox) of Manhattan, KS; sister Arlene (Virgil) Cohagan of Elm Creek, NE; brother-in-law Duane (Myrna) Nienhueser of York, NE; grandchildren Lisa Hefner, David Baxa, Chad Baxa, Kelly Krause, Nicole Krause; Christopher (Katlin) Ladman; and Nicole Knox; great-grandchildren Jacob Hefner, Mason Hefner, Dylan Baxa, Madison Kattau, Emery Baxa and Kyler Ladman; and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Funeral Service for Mel was held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva. Pastor Michelle Gowin officiated the service. Judy Ackland provided the prelude and postlude music. Accompanied by Ben Kaye-Skinner, the United Methodist Church Choir sang “In The Garden” and “Peace In The Valley.” Ben Kaye-Skinner also accompanied himself in the singing “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” Pallbearers for the service included Douglas Nienhueser, Tim Hurst, Bob Orlando, Jim Hesterman, Mike Lindburg, and Deland Liester. Interment was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery with Military Rites performed by Samuel J. Marsh Geneva VFW Post 7102 and the Nebraska Military Honor Guard. Farmer & Son Funeral Home conducted the services. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Geneva. Online condolences may be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com.

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Melvin F. "Mel" Krause

September 30, 1925 - April 23, 2017