November 16, 1939 - April 3, 2021
Funeral services for Melvin Jerome Thielke, 81 of Enid, OK will be Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 10:00 am in Zion Lutheran Church, Fairmont with Pastors Travis Orr and Mark Blakeman officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home and Crematory.
Melvin was born November 16, 1939 in Morris, Minnesota to Melvin Henry and Florence (Weiss) Thielke and baptized in Horton Township, MN. Melvin died April 3, 2021 at his home with his family by his side.
Melvin was confirmed in Horton Township May 24, 1953. He graduated from Morris High School in 1957. He enlisted in the Navy and served as an Engineman on the USS Tidewater and the USS Basilone. He was honorably discharged in 1963. After his service in the Navy, Melvin attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Mechanical Engineering, Okmulgee, OK in 1965.
Melvin relocated to Enid, OK in 1967 to start a career with Champlin Petroleum Company until 1984. It was there that he met and married Marilyn Ann Loesch on February 6, 1971. After the refinery in Enid closed, Melvin worked as a mechanic and truck driver for several area agricultural dealerships before landing at Groendyke Transport. He attained membership into the One Million Mile Club in 2007 and retired in 2008.
Melvin enjoyed helping friends and family farm, playing cards, reading, fishing, polka music, OSU Football, grandkids’ sports, morning coffee social, his yard, and many other activities with family and friends. He was an active member of Men’s Club, LAF, Card Club, LLL, and church council.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lloyd and James Thielke, brothers-in-law, Norlen Gades and Loren Harste; sister-in-law Marion Thielke; and nephew Ward Van Aalsburg.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Dana Thielke; his son Matthew (Amy) Thielke; grandchildren, Addilyn and Mallory; sisters, Phyllis Gades Harste and Karen (Dick) Van Aalsburg; sister-in-law, Lynne Thielke; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Breckinridge or Zion Lutheran Church, Fairmont.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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