Melvin R. Bochman Obituary (1926 - 2007)

MELVIN R. BOCHMAN Melvin R. Bochman, age 80, of Menomonie, WI concluded his earthly life on Friday, February 9th, 2007 after a 15 year struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Melvin was born to Raleigh and Myrtle (Bohner) Bochman on Oct. 21, 1926 in Tyndall, South Dakota. In 1937, they moved to Worthington, Minnesota and in 1951, they purchased the farm near Menomonie (1 mile north of Rusk) where he lived the remainder of his life. In 1954, Melvin married Janice Carol Meyer of Elk Mound and they were blessed with three children: Jeffrey (1956), David (1957), and Julie (1963). The Bochmans had suffered a continual series of setbacks during the depression and dustbowl years in South Dakota and Minnesota. It was the vision and energy of Melvin that lifted their gaze beyond their immediate surroundings to find opportunity in another state. The farm they purchased in Wisconsin was in great disrepair after years of poor care, but Melvin saw the potential. During the years following the move, the buildings were rebuilt and modernized, equipment was added, the land was fertilized, and the herd was strengthened. Continuous improvement characterized their lives. Their forward thinking was noticed by officials and peers in the farming community, which resulted in Melvin receiving the highly respected Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1961. Melvin's life was characterized by focused action. Suffering from a heart murmur and a weak constitution, it was paramount that his efforts were well directed to accomplish the right tasks. His diligence in planning and choosing the correct activities was as important as his intensity in completing the daily work. While adding considerable improvements to the farm, they retained the same acreage. Their intent was to do an excellent job with the existing farm rather than add more land. During his life, Melvin also served on the Red Cedar Town board and the Dunn County FHA board oversight committee. The foundation for Melvin's life was his personal faith in God. Financial, relational, and personal choices were folded together and weighed on the scales of eternity. Family time together and spiritual values were treasured. All three children expressed personal faith in Christ. Following high school, they each attended Crown College (formerly St. Paul Bible College) where they each met their spouses. Melvin was a faithful church member, serving as treasurer for many years. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Janice Their children: Jeff (Darlene) of Menomonie, David (Debbie) of Meridian, Idaho, and Julie (Mike) Thompson of Kalispell, Montana 10 grandchildren: Michael, Kathryn, and Heidi Bochman, Tim (Marcie) Bochman, Becky (Rivers) Camp, Susan Bochman, Melanie, Ryan, Stephan, and Anna Thompson 1 great-grandson: Ethan John Camp And many other beloved family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, March 23, 2007 at the Menomonie Alliance Church with Pastor Jack Stimmel officiating. Following the service there will be an opportunity to visit with the family. Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Menomonie will be serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfh.net