Melvin Kleve

     Melvin Kleve, age 71, of Calmar, IA, died on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at his home.        A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2014, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 South Maryville Street, Calmar, IA, with Rev. Donald Hawes presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.        Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, 202 South Washington Street, Calmar, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Thursday morning. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m., on Wednesday at the funeral home.        In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given in memory of Melvin to the Calmar First Responders, 101 South Washington Street, Calmar, IA, 52132, or to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 South Maryville Street, Calmar, IA 52132.        Melvin Edward Kleve was born on August 27, 1942, the son of Raymond and Julia (Wenthold) Kleve, on the family farm northeast of Calmar. This was the same farm where he also died. Melvin attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and started farming with his father at the age of thirteen. He farmed the family farm for many years, while also working for the City of Calmar and for Calmar Foods for several years. Melvin was united in marriage to Shirley Holthaus on November 29, 1975 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cresco, IA. In 1991, Melvin quit farming and enjoyed fishing and NASCAR, especially rooting for his favorite, Dale Earnhart, Sr. In his younger years, he drove stock car at the Decorah and Waukon tracks. Melvin was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and was a former Knights of Columbus member.      Melvin is survived by his wife: Shirley Kleve, Calmar, IA. Three children: Theresa Kleve, Fayette, IA; Jenny (Ray) Rankin, Postville, IA; and Rodney (Sara) Kleve, Madison, WI. Six grandchildren: Riley, Jayden, Addyson & Landyn Rankin, Liam & Greta Kleve. Melvin’s special dog, Gabby. Three sisters: Jane (Bill) Lugar, Mason City, IA; Anita (Charles) Gesing, Collinsville, OK; and Patricia (Jerald) Kephart, Joice, IA. His mother-in-law: Dorothy Holthaus, Cresco, IA. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Allen (Brenda) Holthaus, Cresco, IA; Steven (Kim) Holthaus, Cresco, IA; Sharon (Kevin) Gerleman, Ridgeway, IA; and Connie Holthaus, Green River, WY.      Melvin was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Julia (Wenthold) Kleve. Three brothers: Father Art Kleve, Richard Kleve and Robert Kleve in infancy. One sister: Marilyn Kleve. His father-in-law: Severin Holthaus. Two brothers-in-law: Donald Holthaus and Earl Holthaus.