Melvin Kalvig

Melvin A. Kalvig age 93, of rural Ionia, Iowa, until 2 years ago when he became a resident of Linn Haven Rehabilitation and Healthcare in New Hampton, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center, New Hampton. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Republic Community Church, rural Ionia with Rev. John Tunnicliff officiating. Interment will be held in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City with Michael Kalvig, Justin Walton, Scott Kramer, Lori Lohmann, James Vowell, Jeff Walton, Travis Kramer, Christopher Vowell, Kristin VanWinkle, Kyle Vowell, Nicole Kramer, Ryan Kramer, and Tyler Vowell serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Melvin Archie Kalvig was born April 8, 1923, in Belmond, IA, the son of Alfred and Milda (Dahlstrom) Kalvig. Melvin attended school in Waterloo through the 8th grade. Melvin started working at Rath Packing in Waterloo. He worked at Rath Packing for several years before being drafted into the United States Army. Melvin was wounded on Normandy beach during D – Day, and because of his injuries was honorably discharged and sent home. When Melvin arrived home, he began working at the Nashua Creamery where he specialized in making cheese. Melvin was then hired by the railroad and worked for them for seven years. Throughout his lifetime while working various places, Melvin continuously farmed the Kalvig family farm.. On January 25, 1948, at the Republic Community Church he married Hildred Eckenrod. To this union, five children were born. Hildred passed away June 6, 1978. Melvin married Maxine O'Connell on September 25, 1982. Melvin enjoyed fishing, hunting, coin books, raising sheep, collecting toy tractors, dancing and gambling with Maxine. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Melvin is survived by his wife, Maxine Kalvig of Ionia, IA; two sons, Gary (Carol) Kalvig of Ionia, IA, Rex (Katherine) Kalvig of Ionia, IA; three daughters, Sandra (Robert) Walton of Maynard, IA, Donna (Rick) Kramer of New Hampton, IA, Rose (James) Vowell of Nashua, IA; 13 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Adala Springmier of New Hampton, IA; a step-son, Bill O'Connell of Frederika, IA; two step-daughters, Doris (Will) Hildebrandt of La Grand, IA, Connie (Charles) Funk of Iowa City, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Hildred Eckenrod on June 6, 1978; three brothers, Milford, Lester, and Leo Kalvig; and sister, Gloria Ihnen.