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Melvern H. Wolken, 90, of West Point, died Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Colonial Haven in Beemer. Memorial Mass will be 10:30am on Friday, January 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Rev. James Weeder as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Center. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00am at church. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.
Melvern Henry Wolken was born on June 8, 1934, to Bernard and Anne (Dinslage) Wolken on a farm north of Wisner. The family later moved to near Aloys. Melvern worked at French’s Grocery Store in West Point while he attended Guardian Angels Catholic School, graduating in 1952.
After graduation, Melvern enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War and served as a radar operator in Pittsburgh, PA. It was there he met and married Patricia Ceyba in April of 1956. Melvern graduated from the Pittsburg School of Aeronautics in 1958. The couple later returned to West Point where they built their life together.
Melvern began his career as a parts specialist at Lubker’s Ford and John Deere Dealership. He later worked for Vern Hagedorn at the Chrysler Dealership, eventually purchasing the business in the 1970s and continuing its operation until 2005. Beyond his automotive career, he also built and managed rental properties with his father-in-law throughout the 1960s – 70s. Melvern found joy in his work as a maintenance man at McDonald’s later in life.
A man of many interests, Melvern loved gardening, watching Westerns, listening to Big Band music (especially Glen Miller), and cheering for his favorite football teams. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and love for his family.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia;
Son, Keith (Angey) of Norfolk
-Kasady (Reed) Booth and their daughter, Charlotte
-Konnor Wolken
Son, Shawn of West Point and daughters, Abigail and Allison Wolken
And brother, Ron (Joan) Wolken of West Point.
He is preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Sylvester Hilz; and brother, Delwin “Red” Wolken.