Melvin Walter Allrich

Melvin Walter Allrich, 86 of Dassel, MN. Passed away peacefully Thursday, January 25th, 2024, in his favorite place at home, the sunroom with his boys by his side. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN. There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service and luncheon following the service, at the church. Melvin (Mel) was born June 13th, 1937, in Mahnomen, MN to Walter and Tena (Pederson) Allrich. He was baptized June 26th, 1937, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Norman County, MN by Rev. Seebach and confirmed in his faith on March 16th, 1951, at the same church with the Rev. Seebach officiating. Mel attended high school at Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN for four years learning about farming, mechanical repair, and animal husbandry. After graduation, Mel worked on a sugar beet farm in Grand Forks for a short time, then for Northern Pacific Railroad on a crew working with track alignment machinery. Following these jobs, Mel worked in Grand Rapids operating a CAT machine and then went to work for Gamble-Robison. In 1960 Mel was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Germany performing mechanical maintenance until 1962. Mel remained in the army reserve until 1966. After returning home from Germany, Mel went back to work for Gamble-Robison and worked as an orderly at Sister Kenny. Next, he worked at Hobert Engineering followed by Peco-McClintock installing safes. Finally, Mel was employed by Thiele Engineering working on packaging machinery until he retired. Mel was united in marriage to Bonnie Kae Nelson on June 23, 1989, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN. They resided in Chanhassen, MN from 1989 to 1996 at which point they moved to Bonnie’s family farm near Dassel. Mel enjoyed woodworking, fishing, working outdoors, camping, gardening, and helping with projects until his health prevented him. Mel loved his Family, Friends, his dogs and cat, and his motorhome trips. Mel was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Tena (Pederson) Allrich, younger brother Dennis Allrich, and wife Bonnie (Nelson) Allrich. Mel is survived by brothers Roger (Carol) and Harold (Jean) Allrich. Children: Mylan (Sheila) Allrich of Chanhassen, Marlow (Sara) Allrich of Burnsville, Michelle Townsend of Babbitt, Janeen Poirier of St Augustine, FL, Eric (Alena) Thomas of Wasilla, AK. Thirteen grandchildren: Ryan, Benjamin, Jackson, Amanda, Nicholas, Noah, Matthew, Maxwell, Alisha, Alexandria, Christopher, Jack, and Daniel. Five great grandchildren: Charlee, Greyson, Maisie, Anthony, and Audrey. Interment of the urn will be held at the Dassel Community Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements thru the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel. The Family would like to thank Allina Hospice for making his wishes come true, Pastor Mark, family, and friends for their support. In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to his favorite charities Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lutheran Hour, Shriners Hospital, Boys Town, and FMSC or the charity of your choice.

Melvin Walter Allrich

June 26, 1937 - January 25, 2024