|
Obituary
Melvin Dean Aper passed to his
heavenly reward on November 23, 2023. He was born at
home on June 21, 1929, the third child of John E.S.
Aper and Anna [Luken] Aper. He married Ruth Eileen
Coers on July 3, 1949. They had one daughter, Gail,
whose name means “her father’s joy.” Survivors
include Gail, her children, Katherine [Raul] Rumbaut,
Gabriel [Abby] Rein, and Grace Rein;
great-grandchildren Nathaniel Kurt and Oliver Melvin
Rein, and Isabella Grace Rumbaut. He was preceded in
death by his wife, older brothers Weldon and Lowell,
and younger siblings Doris, Joan, and Paul.
Melvin served his country in the Korean Conflict as
a Corporal. After he returned home, he joined his
father-in-law and brother-in-law in the lumber and
building business as a cabinet maker. He eventually
became a partner with his brother-in-law and when
his brother-in-law retired, Melvin became the sole
owner of the Emden Lumber Company and continued to
operate the business for nearly 40 years. For many
years, the Emden Lumber Company donated the use of
lumber for the stands and seating used for the Emden
Homecoming. He believed in doing business the
old-fashioned way and never charged anyone interest
on an unpaid bill.
He was a life member of Emden Legion Post 506 and
had served as its Commander. In 1973, he served as
District Commander of the American Legion. He was a
life member of Logan Voiture 985 of the 40&8, having
served as Chef de Gare, as well as other offices.
Mr. Aper served his community as a bus driver and
served Emden as its Town Clerk for over 30 years. In
the mid-70s, Melvin took courses to become a
licensed Treatment Plant Operator and held a Class A
license. He served as the water treatment operator
for many years. Before the water meters became
digitally readable, he could often be seen reading
the town’s water meters, often with his young
grandson’s help. He was a member of St. Peter
Lutheran Church.
Melvin enjoyed auto racing and started going to car
races when there was a track in Lincoln. He enjoyed
being in the pit with drivers and had friends and
acquaintances in the NASCAR circuit. |
 |
.jpeg)
