Melvin D. Bodtke

Melvin D. Bodtke, 88 years of age, of Beatrice passed away Friday, March 1, 2024 at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln. He was born on February 9, 1936 in Gilead to Walter and Lydia (Gerberding) Bodtke. Melvin graduated from Reynolds High School in 1953. He married Shirley Asche on October 28, 1956. Melvin served his country in the Nebraska Army National Guard. He worked for Thayer County, H. Ell’s Implement, moved to Beatrice in 1960 and worked for Sprague’s which later became Carl A. Anderson Automotive for 18 ½ years and opened and operated Melron’s Store from January 1, 1979 to 2018. Melvin taught a diesel mechanic class at Southeast Community College and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beatrice where he served as a trustee and elder and United Commercial Travelers. He enjoyed playing cards, tinkering, friends and taking videos.

Melvin is survived by his sons, Dennis Bodtke and wife Sally of Lincoln, Duane Bodtke of York; grandchildren, Amanda Cades, Evan Bodtke and wife Jessica; great grandchildren, Bria Cades, Jaffari Huls; sisters, Florence Trias of Tucson, Arizona, Alice Peacock of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley in 2014; brother, Bill Bodtke; and brothers-in-law, Jess Trias and Jim Peacock.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, March 7, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beatrice with Pastor Daryn Bahn officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from 4 to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 PM. Memorials are suggested to family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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