Melvin R. Dressel

Melvin R. Dressel, age 87, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Le Sueur, died at his home on Wednesday morning, January 1, 2020.  Memorial services will be on Monday, January 6, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, MN.  Visitation will be at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine on Sunday, January 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., concluding with a Veteran’s Service. There will also be visitation on Monday, January 6, one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment will be at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.  Lunch to follow memorial service at the church.

Melvin was born on September 16, 1932 to Leon and Emma (Hanke) Dressel in Le Sueur, MN.  He grew up in the Le Sueur area and graduated from Le Sueur High School in 1950.  He served in the United States Army. He returned home where he later married Martha Rausch at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Lafayette, MN in 1957.  The couple lived in Le Sueur for many years where Melvin farmed and worked a variety of jobs before starting Dressel Construction in 1976.  He enjoyed working and getting caught up with friends over coffee whether in Belle Plaine at Cindy’s Kitchen, Emma’s, Heng’s Bakery and in Le Sueur at the Holiday Station or the Cheese Shoppe.  He remained active until cancer slowed him down two years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Martha, and four sons: Dean (Chris) Dressel of Stillwater, MN; Don (Carol) Dressel of Cabot, AR; Dan (Joy) Dressel of Inver Grove Heights, MN and Dave (Jessica) Dressel of Lake Elmo, MN.  Grandchildren: Joe Dressel, Mitch (Anna) Dressel, Dietrich Dressel, Dylan Dressel and Sam Dressel.  Great-Grandchildren: Brynn and Archer Dressel.  Step-grandchildren: Dustin (Crystal) Walderns; Ashlee (Kyle) Hennington; Kattie Parker; and Kellie (Chase) Frazee.  Step-great-grandchildren: Brody, Aubrey, and Emma Walderns; Aurora and Logan Hennington; Gavin Parker; and Avarie and Kinleigh Frazee. Sister, Darline Jones of Apple Valley.  He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Delores Thune and Patricia Olsson.

Memorials preferred to St. Croix Hospice.