Melvin Hicks

Melvin L. Hicks, age 97 of Rochester, MN passed away on May 16, 2024 at Pine Haven Nursing Home in Pine Island.

Melvin was born on May 29, 1926 in Winona, MN to Adolph and Cecelia (Blachfelner) Hicks. The family spent 2 years in Winona, then moved to Delhi, Ontario, for 14 years where they farmed tobacco. They returned to Winona, where Melvin graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Navy-Seabees in 1944. He was discharged in June of 1946 and returned to Winona where he attended Winona State Teacher's College. On May 13, 1950 Melvin married Jeanette Safranek in Winona. Together they moved to Rochester in 1955 to raise their family. He retired from Waters Instruments in Rochester.

Melvin loved to travel. He was fascinated with airplanes and anything to do with aviation. He visited the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI 16 times. Together, Melvin and Jeanette traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and all across Europe. They also went on camping trips with the whole family across the Western United States and Canada. Most of all, Melvin enjoyed spending time with family and friends and sharing his stories with anyone who would listen.

Melvin is survived by his children Stephanie (Joe) Kissenberth, Gary Hicks, Karen (Bruno) DiNella; grandchildren Aaron (Tara) Kissenberth and Heidi (Gene) Cintron; great grandchildren Hunter and Colby Kissenberth, and Layla Cintron; sister-in-law Joy Hicks; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette; daughter-in-law Sheila, and brother Robert.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will start at 10AM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor's choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hicks family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.