Funeral & Cremation Service

Kutzke, Melvin

1917-2008

Melvin "Mel" Kutzke  Kutzke, Melvin Raymond, Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa Mel passed away at home after a long illness on Wed. Nov. 26, 2008, with his wife, Thelma, at his side.  He is survived by his wife, Thelma; his four daughters, Beverly (Fred) Price, Kathleen Parson, Stephanie Kutzke (Jim Sears), and Mary (Warren) Dufresne; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, brother Lando (Lucille) Kutzke, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  Mel was born on March 24th, 1917, to Frank and Anna (Zeibell) Kutzke, and grew up on his parents’ farm near Mayer, MN.  Moving to Detroit Lakes in 1935, Mel later met and married Madeline Marcy of Frazee, MN.  The new family moved to Pine City where Mel sold Texaco petroleum products, Studebaker cars and trucks, and Firestone tires with quiet pride and honesty for almost 40 years at Mel’s Texaco Service, expanding Kutzke Oil Company to 6 service stations in the region.  He served on the Pine City School Board, promoted Pine City in the Commercial Club and Lions Club, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing.  Madeline preceded Mel in death in 1980. Mel married his longtime friend, Thelma (Krier) Holetz, in October, 2001. They have resided at The Villages of North Branch for the past year.  The family thanks Fairview Lakes Home Caring and Hospice, Dr. Matthew Logan, Comfort Keepers, and the staff at The Villages of North Branch for all their help and care.     Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Mon. Dec. 8th @ First Presbyterian Church, 405 Main St. S., Pine City. Interment will be in Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City.  Visitation will be on Sun. Dec. 7th from 3-6 p.m. @ Swanson Funeral Chapel, 665 3rd Ave. SW, Pine City & 1 hour prior to service on Mon. at the church.  Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church of Pine City or donor’s choice.