Melvin Wippler Melvin D. Wippler, age 80 of Lankin, ND passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND. Melvin D. Wippler was born March 24, 1927 in Lankin, ND the son of the late Frank and Ida (Corah) Wippler. He graduated from Lankin High School. Following his education he served in the United States Marine Corp from Oct. 1945 – Oct. of 1946. Melvin returned to Lankin following his discharge and took over the family farm. He was united in marriage to Doris Kluzak on April 15, 1949 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lankin. The couple lived and farmed in the Lankin area. Doris passed away on Jan. 5, 1968. He married Trudy Lykken on October 3, 1980 at United Lutheran in Cavalier. The couple made their home in Lankin. Melvin also worked at the FSA in Park River for 38 years. He also owned and operated M&T Seed Company in Lankin for over 25 years. Melvin was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and was currently serving as treasurer. He was a 62 year member and past commander of the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post #157, and a member of the Kosobud Lodge. He served on the Farmers Union Elevator Board, the Cleveland Township Board and on the Lankin Rural Fire Department. He is survived by his wife Trudy of Lankin, ND; children: JoAnn (Douglas) Alston, Colorado Springs, CO; DeeLyn Bata, Park River, ND; Scott (Gloria) Wippler, Emerado, ND; step-children: Jeff (Jean) Vatnsdal, Climax, MN; Karen Vatnsdal, Loveland, CO; 21 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and sisters: Florence Lawson, Salem, OR; and Jean Capouch, Mayville, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, and sons: Frank, Duane and Daniel and grandson Devon. Memorial Services will be Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Lankin, ND. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Lankin American Legion Hall. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Kosobud Cemetery, rural Lankin. Military rites will be provided by the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post #157, Lankin, ND. The Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River is in charge of the arrangements. Guest Book