Melvin H. Brummer was born to Louis & Marie (Schroeder) Brummer on May 20, 1937, in Tipton. He passed away on November 8, 2022, at the Resident Care Center in Beloit, KS at the age of 85.
Melvin grew up on a farm south of Tipton as the 5th of nine children where they learned a lot about farm life, faith & family. The Brummer brothers’ shenanigans sometimes led to a rosary on the shanty steps. He attended St. Boniface Grade School, graduating from Tipton High School in 1955.
After graduation, Melvin met his wife Geraldine (Boden) Brummer. They were united in marriage on May 2, 1959. They settled on a farmstead west of Tipton where they side-by side operated a Grade A dairy, cattle and farming operation. Melvin and Gerry were blessed with 5 children in their 56 years of loving marriage.
Melvin was an active member of the St. Boniface Catholic church. He served as an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister. Melvin was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1645 where he served as Grand Knight and was also a member of the Robert F. Kennedy 4th Degree. One of his proudest moments was the installation of his 3 sons and 2 son-in-laws into the 4th Degree. Melvin placed a high value on faith, family, hard work and education; therefore served as a member of the National Guard, Parish Council and Tipton School Board.
Melvin lived life to the fullest! He shared his wisdom, compassion, leadership and sense of humor with everyone. Some of his favorite pastimes were raising greyhounds (Queenie), coyote hunting, tending and checking his cattle on a Sunday drive to the pasture with fishing pole in tow. He loved the time spent playing pinochle & pitch with family, polka dancing and could be found tapping his foot along with a Lawrence Welk tune.
Melvin's 15 grandchildren captured his heart. They were familiar with the pet names of Smoke, George, Peter Murphy, & Snickle Fritz. He enjoyed giving them rides in his John Deere tractor where he was known to share life lessons along with fun stories. If they ever got bored, he taught them how to sing along to the tune of “Jimmy Crack Corn.”
Melvin's parents, his loving wife, Gerry, brother Charles, & sister Twyla Remus preceded him in death. Survivors include his 5 children: Robin (Kevin) Moore of Osborne, Stacie (Gery) Hake of Tipton, Troy (Stacey) Brummer of Osborne, Tyler (Rebecca) of Genesee, ID, & Chad (Candace) Brummer of Tipton. 15 Grandchildren: Kylin & Katelyn Moore, Justin, Jaron, & Linden Hake, Megan (Kyle) Montoya, Shelby & Shyanne Brummer, Jayson & Alyssa Carswell, Tristen, Logan, & Cadyn Brummer, Trenton & Allison Brummer. Great-granddaughter Kassidy Brummer along with 2 more Great-Grands arriving soon. Melvin’s siblings: Cynthia May of Beloit, Victor (Betty) Brummer of Tipton, Harry Brummer of Lincoln, Kenny (Joanne) Brummer of Tipton, Sylvia (Rick) Budke of Beloit, Michelle (Phillip) Murrow of Tipton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends that made his life complete.
Melvin will be remembered as someone who brought a light so great to the world that even after he’s gone, the light still remains forever in our hearts!
Funeral services will be at 10 AM Monday, November 14, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. A rosary service will be at 6:30 PM Sunday & visitation will be from 5 PM until the rosary service begins at the Church.
Memorials may be given to the Tipton Schools, or Masses.