Melvin Rients

Melvin Rients, age 95, of Lakefield, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, with Pastor John Schuetz officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Rost Township.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the Immanuel Lutheran Church facebook page, for those not able to attend. https://www.facebook.com/immanuellakefield

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged.

Melvin Theodore Rients, son of John and Elizabeth (Lubben) Rients was born on November 12, 1927, in Rost Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Melvin attended school through the 8th grade in Okabena. Melvin was united in marriage to Georgia Rose Sames, on July 15, 1950, at the Catholic parsonage in Windom. They were blessed with 4 children Kenneth, Keith, Douglas, and Carol. Melvin and Georgia lived in Worthington for a few months before moving to Lakefield, where he worked at Co-op Oil for 4 years. They then moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and he worked at the Kohler plant for 15 years. In 1970, Melvin and Georgia moved back to Lakefield. He worked at Crystal Tips in Spirit Lake, Toro in Windom, and the Clear Lake rest area, where he retired at the age of 80. Georgia passed away in 2006. Melvin was fortunate to find a good friend and companion Lavonne Larsen.  Melvin passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, at the age of 95 years, 8 months, and 28 days.

Melvin enjoyed traveling and dancing. He was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, rarely missed watching a game. Melvin enjoyed playing cards at the senior dining in Lakefield and going to Hage’s for coffee with the gentleman. He cherished each and every moment that he spent with his family. Melvin will be greatly missed by all.

Melvin is survived by his children Kenneth Rients, Keith (Linda) Rients, Douglas Rients and Carol Rients; grandchildren Jesse, Nicole, Gina, Kelsey, Michael, Melissa, and Brian; 11 great-grandchildren; and special friend and companion Lavonne Larsen.

Melvin is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Georgia: his parents John and Elizabeth: grandparents, sisters: Eda Nauschutz, Leona Milbrath, and Ruth Voss; brothers-in-law Paul Nauschutz, Alvin Milbrath, and Jim Voss.

Blessed be the memory of Melvin Theodore Rients.

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