Melvin Leroy Domke

Melvin LeRoy Domke, 81 years young, was called home by his heavenly father on Sunday, November 22, 2020 while doing what he loved most - hunting with his sons, grandson, and great-granddaughter. Mel was born in 1939 in Chatfield, MN to Gustaf and Lillian (Lehmann) Domke. He was the youngest of five. After graduating from high school, he did odd jobs here and there until he settled in as a welder at Crenlo in Rochester. He spent 42 years working at Crenlo and making many friends, some of whom became lifelong hunting and fishing buddies. Mel married LaVonne Laskowske in 1959 and had two sons, Randy (Randall) and Jim (James). They resided in Hammond their entire married life. Family was everything to Mel. He loved spending time teaching his sons to hunt, fish and be responsible men. He loved teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fish and was just starting to share hunting with great-grandchildren. Mel and LaVonne liked to travel in their early retirement years. More recently, they had a weekly trip to Plainview for cards with friends at the Plainview Community Center. Their summers were usually spent at the family cabin in Waskish, MN on Upper Red Lake where they enjoyed quiet time, nature and visits from the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. The cabin was a favorite place of theirs to spend time with family and friends. Mel also enjoyed sitting by the fire late into the night, talking with the next generations, sharing stories, and getting in a smart remark every chance he got - he loved a good laugh! He will be greatly missed by his wife, LaVonne of 61 years, his two sons, Randy (Janice) Domke and Jim Domke of Hammond. Grandchildren Shawn (Jeremy) Jensen of Plainview, Chad (Stephanie) of Zumbro Falls, Mickel (Jeremy) Thompson of Mantorville. Phoebe (Jason) Wagner of Rochester and Miles Farris of Rochester. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Holmes of Red Wing, 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. The family would like to thank Mayo One and the Mayo Clinic Ambulance crew for your work in trying to keep Mel with us; your efforts and graciousness during a difficult time are greatly appreciated! Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ranfranz & Vine of Rochester, MN. There will be visitation from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 27th at the Community Presbyterian Church in Plainview followed by an "invitation-only" service at 1 PM (due to COVID-19, attendance at the service is limited). A graveside service will be at the Millville Cemetery around 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Community Presbyterian Church in Mel's name as he found great comfort in their services or the Zumbro Valley Foundation which supports residents in the Hammond area. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Domke family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com