Melvin James Yetmar

Melvin James Yetmar, 93, of Fort Dodge, Iowa passed away suddenly on Wednesday March 12, 2014, at The Villa Care Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 20th at 10:00 a.m. Chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, 307 S. 12th St. in Fort Dodge, and 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 2220 4th Ave. N. in Fort Dodge, with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be at Corpus Christi Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1856 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Visitation will on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m. all at the funeral home in Fort Dodge. Survivors include three children: Ronald Yetmar of Foley, Alabama, Carol Morse and her husband Richard, of Pender, Nebraska, and Diane Miller and her husband, Dr. Robert Miller of Elysian, MN; 6 grandchildren Roni Lynn Henry and Christian Yetmar, Jonathan and Kristin Morse, Dylan and Alec Miller, 3 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; brother, Eugene Yetmar of Fort Dodge; and sister, Marian Zierke of Somers; brother in law, Laurin Stanek of Fort Dodge; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, ...[more]

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friends. Melvin was preceded in death by his loving wife Janice Sophia (Stanek) Yetmar, and his parents James and Margaret Cecilia ( Schuster) Yetmar. Melvin was the oldest of five children and was the "Big Brother" who looked out for his younger siblings after his mother died when Melvin was himself a young man. Melvin was born on March 24, 1920 in Claire, Iowa. Melvin grew up on a farm and had a passion for gardening and animals throughout his life. Melvin often won First Place at contests for the vegetables he grew and entered in to local and regional contests. Melvin was an avid fisherman, hunter, dog lover, gardener, and patriot. He was the first to share the joy of fishing with his grandchildren His love for his Country and the American Flag was second to none. Melvin worked for Sears in the hardware department for many years. All that knew Melvin would know him to be an expert on craftsman tools. Melvin and his wife, Janice spent winters in Mesa, Arizona for many years. Melvin's service to his country was extensive. He enlisted in the Army in 1942. He was a Platoon Leader in the 314th Infantry. He and his men were captured January 20th 1944 after holding the town of Gutenehim for 30 days. Captured by the Germans Melvin was marched east from town to town through Strutzenburg, Nurenburg, and more. On March 24th Melvin and others were liberated due to a spearhead by General Patton's Army. His platoon was captured a second time and marched again through eastern Germany. Melvin was then held captive in Mussburg, Germany where he was liberated on April 29th, 1945. The war in Europe ended May 8, 1945 and Melvin was hospitalized for many weeks of recovery after having lost over 75 lbs. After Melvin's hospital recovery his military service time continued at the Algona, Iowa Prisoner of War (POW) camp where he was a guard for two plus months. Melvin was officially discharged on October 30th, 1945. Melvin was a Christian man who often was heard saying, "Thank the Good Lord". Melvin was a proud to be affiliated with the V.F.W., Moose Lodge, Disabled Veterans of America, and American Legion. Melvin was a proud man who was loved by his family and friends. Memorials are preferred to be made to: Disabled Veterans of America.