Melvin Rutschke, 92, of Zeeland, ND, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2019 at the Linton Hospital following a long, hard battle with cancer.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, Zeeland, with visitation starting at 9:30 am. Burial will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Zeeland.

Melvin was born on August 22, 1926, the son of Jacob G. and Magdalena (Bauer) Rutschke in Emmons County. He was raised in Emmons County and educated in a rural grade school. He married Alciena Jung on September 28, 1952, in Zeeland. They made their home on the family farm southwest of Zeeland.

Melvin enjoyed farming beside his son, Jerome, and was always happiest outside. You could frequently find him on a mower or working in the shop. Melvin was a member of the Zion Church Council, church choir, and previously on the Zeeland School Board. Loved by all who met him, he became a father and grandfather figure to many, and his stories will remain in many hearts.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Alciena of Zeeland; one son and daughter-in-law, Jerome and Dorinda, of Zeeland; and one granddaughter, Casondra of West Fargo, ND.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and brother-in-law, Freida Rutschke and Ruth (Ferdinand) Reimer; and three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Edward (Amelia) Rutschke, Jake (Ruth) Rutschke and Gerhardt Rutschke.