stationed in Europe. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Ocheyedan for a short time before leaving to California to work briefly on a ranch with his brother.After returning to Ocheyedan, he worked for the IH dealership and owned and operated a filling station and café. He also drove the school bus.He was united in marriage to Earlene Pomrenke on October 15, 1956. Mel went to work as a mechanic at the Ford dealership in Ocheyedan. In 1962, they moved to Le Mars where he and Earlene raised their family and he continued as a mechanic for Ford dealerships in Le Mars and Sioux City. Melvin and Earlene were avid campers and went on many adventures together. Following his retirement, he continued to work on cars at his home. Earlene passed away May 20, 2002.Later, Mel was united in marriage to Jenola Dammer-Bauermeister on January 15, 2005. After their marriage, Mel and Jenola made their home in Ocheyedan.Melvin was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Le Mars and the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars. Through the years, he enjoyed woodworking and making many birdhouses. He also enjoyed tinkering with small engines and watching NASCAR. Later in his life, he enjoyed traveling.Survivors include his wife, Jenola Uden of Ocheyedan, IA; his children: Curtis (Denise) Uden of Le Mars, Carol Ruden (Rick Harris) of Le Mars, and Lorrie Lamb (fiancé Kevin Rhead) of Brandon, SD; 10 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; Jenola's children: Randy Bauermeister of Huron Lake, MN, LeAnn (Kevin) Donovan of Worthington, MN, and Rick Bauermeister of Huron Lake, MN, and their families; his sister: JoAnn Radunz of Ocheyedan, IA; his sister in law: Esther Uden of Marango, IA; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Earlene; his son in law: Allen Lamb; 4 brothers: Edwin, Ellsworth, James, and Lester; and 5 sisters: Minnie Long, Mary Kruse, Betty Uden, Dorothy Suefert, and Grace Uden. Send Sympathy Card Print Obituary View/Sign Guest Book Create Memorial Website To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.rexwinkelfh.com/obituary/melvin-uden