Melvin Bricker

Melvin Bricker, 82, of Earlham, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at his home. Melvin was born November 15, 1923 in Madison County, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Mable (Speer) Bricker. His marriage to Joy L. Bennett took place on August 8, 1946 in Des Moines. Joy preceded him in death on July 17, 2002. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joy, a brother, Russell Bricker; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd McClurg and 2 granddaughters, Dawn and Katie Lorimor. Melvin was a farmer all of his life. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and was very skilled at finding mushrooms. When he was a young man he was a semi pro baseball player and enjoyed the sport all of his life. He also bowled, played horseshoes and was an avid wrestling supporter and was named ‘Winterset Fan of the Year’ in 2000. Melvin was also and avid Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Lorimor of Des Moines; Marilyn Shaw (Ralph) of Patterson; Twyla Niska of Clive; Trudy Bricker of Earlham; 2 sisters, Hazel Harvey (Henry ‘Duke’) of Waukee; Ila McClurg of Winterset; a sister-in-law, Irma Bricker of Earlham; 7 grandchildren, Kevin Lorimor, Kasey Lorimor, Cory Brown, Travis Brown, Sarah Niska, Tyler Niska and Jason Shaw. Cremation will take place after the service with burial of the cremated remains in the Fairview Cemetery at a later date. Visitation: 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday where family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. January 22, 2006 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset. Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday January 23, 2006 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare Memorial: Memorials may be directed to the family