Melvin Alfred Kunstleben, age 85, of Paynesville, passed away peacefully at Harmony House in Pierz on Tuesday, July 1st, after a two-year battle with dementia.
Melvin was born on November 9th, 1939, to Erma (Winter) and Leo Kunstleben in Spring Hill, Minnesota, and was the sixth of seven children. Melvin attended country school and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1957. From 1960 to 1962, Melvin proudly served in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He moved to South St. Paul, worked at First National Bank, the Ford Assembly plant, as well as owned a bar. Melvin eventually returned to Stearns County to farm alongside his brother Marvin. He, Melvin, and Ronny purchased their farm, and he continued farming until his retirement in 1998. In retirement, he drove a mail truck for Wesbeck until November 2023. Melvin and Veronica (Ronny) Kunstleben raised three children together: Sheela (Jeff) Arceneau of Albany, Dean Kunstleben of Paynesville, and Eric (Beth) Kunstleben of Brainerd. Proud grandfather to Jaylyn (Amber), Luke (Katelyn), Jared, Harley (Tyler), Jake (Maddie), Taylor, Noah, Matthew, Colin, Anna, and Avila; and great-grandfather to Kaesyn, Asher, and Greyson.
Melvin loved dairy and crop farming and dedicated himself to improving the dairy industry. He was an active member of the AMPI, DHIA, Midwest Dairy Association, and ADA boards, positions that allowed him to share his passion and knowledge. He was also an active member of the St. Agnes Church in Roscoe, St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, Lake Henry Legion, Paynesville Legion, and Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Loretta Christman, sister in-law Mary Kunstleben, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Othmar (Jean) Doll, Marvin Kunstleben, Leo Kunstleben; sisters Marie (Alfred) Schmit and RoseMary Isaak.
Remembering his special dunk tank friends. Many thanks to the many people who traveled this journey with Melvin: the care team at Paynesville Health Care Systems, VA BRU unit, St. Gabriel's in Little Falls, Harmony House in Pierz, and Horizon Health Hospice. Due to Melvin’s wishes, a private family service will take place on July 18, 2025.
