Melford Mcclure

MELFORD WALLACE McCLURE was born to John and Anne (Aanenson) McClure on March 3, 1927 in Luverne, Minnesota. He lived with his family on a farm outside of Lismore, Minnesota for a few years before moving to Luverne. Mel attended country school through the eighth grade. Mel helped his father on the farm and began his carpentry career with his grandfather, Ira McClure. He enlisted into the US Army on November 28, 1950 and received his basic training at Fort Ripley, Kansas. Mel attained the rank of Corporal and served with the 2nd battalion of the 7th infantry during the Korean War. He was wounded during his service and spent time in a hospital in Japan. Mel was honorably discharged on August 30, 1952 and later was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, among other decorations for his service. Mel was united in marriage to Alyce Arneson on May 27, 1955 at the Indherred Lutheran Church in Starbuck, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Luverne where they raised their three children. Through most of his construction career, Mel worked with Arnie Molberg and Virgil Ahrendt. He also did independent work at times. Throughout the years, Mel had a hand in constructing many quality homes in Luverne and the surrounding area. Due to health reasons, he retired at the age of 62. During retirement, Mel continued to work on various carpentry projects.

Mel entered the Minnesota Veterans Home on September 3, 2013 where on Friday, March 21, 2014 he died peacefully at the age of 87 years, 18 days.

Mel was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne where he served as a deacon. He received his baptism in 1928 at Grace Lutheran Church and was confirmed in 1954 at Bethany Lutheran Church. Mel was a lifetime member of the VFW. He enjoyed hunting antelope and deer in his earlier years and later enjoyed fishing. He loved to the watch the Minnesota Twins and drive tractor and buggy.

Mel is remembered by his wife of 58 years, Alyce McClure; children, Linda (Pete) Olsen of Champlin, MN, Joyce McClure of Sioux Falls, SD, and Julie (Todd) McChesney of Elk River, MN; two granddaughters, Shelby and Madison McChesney; siblings, Arlyn (Ruth) McClure of Luverne, Doug (Darlene) McClure of Luverne, LaVonne (Tom) Willems of Garretson, SD, and Steven (Sherri) McClure of Mitchell, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, John Jr., Gary and Roger.