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Melvin B. Dillard Obituary – 7/4/2010


Melvin B. Dillard, age 69, of New Germany, died Sunday July 4, 2010, at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale.

He was born Nov. 22, 1940, in Perry, OK, the son of Basil and Lillian (Harlow) Dillard. Melvin was baptized and confirmed March 15, 1955, at Calvary Baptist Church in Perry, OK.

He was united in marriage to Gladys E. Richardson Dec. 3, 1962.

A loving husband, dad and grandpa, Melvin loved to talk to everyone and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His favorite pastime was fishing, and he loved spending time at the camper with his wife and friends.

Melvin was employed at Waconia Ford from 1964 until 1967. He then went to work at Thermo King in Bloomington for 32 years.

He served on the finance committee at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Lillian Dillard; brother Larry Dillard; father-in-law and mother-in-law Willard and Myrtle Richardson; and brother-in-law Dean Richardson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys; daughter and son-in-law Pamela and Adam Barlau of Watertown; grandsons Christopher and (Stephanie) Barlau of Plato; and Joseph Barlau of Watertown; and great-grandson Matthew Lee Barlau.

Melvin is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Dwaine and Vickie Dillard of Perry, OK, and Richard and Virginia Dillard of Perris, CA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Billie and Kenneth Rairden, and Helen Croker, all of Kansas, Shirley and Dale Kobs of California, Doris and Herb Jeffery, and John and Eva Treadway, all of Kansas, Beverly and Mark Paulson of New Germany, Maynard Richardson of Minneapolis, Darwin Richardson of New Germany, and Lois Richardson of Cologne; aunt Elvenna Dillard of Perry, OK; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was Thursday July 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany with the Rev. LeRoy LaPlant officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Visitation was Wednesday, July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.; and continued Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements were by the Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia. Online condolences to the family are available at www.johnsonfh.com.

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