Melvin G. Klinkhamer, 79, Monticello, died Saturday, Oct. 21, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. He had been in failing health for the last five years.

He was born Sept. 20, 1916, to Guy and Edna Deckard Klinkhamer, in Round Grove. He was married Jan. 23, 1943, to Jean M. Pasek, in Marinette, Wisconsin, and she survives.

He attended Chalmers Schools.

He lived most of his life in the Monticello area and farmed for 30 years before retiring in 1977.

He drove a school bus for 25 years for the Twin Lakes School Corporation.

He was a World War II Army veteran serving in the Pacific Theater. He was one of the first group of recruits to be drafted in January, 1941, from Monticello.

 He was a member of the Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Holy Name Society at the church and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, all of Monticello.

He was a former member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge, both of Monticello.

Surviving with his wife are two daughters, Mrs Borje (Judie K.) Servin, Tyringe, Sweden and Diana L. Graham, Anaheim, California; a son, Daniel, Battle Ground; a grandson Jeff, Lafayette; two anddaughters, and two sisters, Mrs Carl (Anna Pearl) Buntin, Brookston and Mrs Don (Rosemary) Chamberlain, Chalmers.

The funeral was Wednesday at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, with Rev. James Goodrum and Rev. Robert Fosselman officiating.

Burial was in IOOF Riverview Cemetery with military rites.

Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home, Monticello was in charge of arrangements.