Larry Melander

Larry Melander, age 88, of Alta, Iowa died on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake, Iowa. Private Family Service will take place on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Burial will be in the Scandinavian Cemetery in Alta. Public visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in ALTA. Masks are required for all guests in attendance. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements. Larry was the son of Harry and Ethel (King) Melander, born on January 9, 1933, in Mentor, Kansas. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed. Larry graduated from Kipp High School in 1951, and later that year he enlisted in the United States Air Force to proudly serve his country as an airplane and engine mechanic. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Henry, on December 21, 1952, in Salina, Kansas. They made their first home in Roswell, New Mexico, where Larry was stationed in the Air Force. It was there that their daughter, Melody, was born. He was honorably discharged on December 1955. Larry took great pride in being a mechanic and often talked about working on the B-36 and his Air Force days. In 1957, Larry and Eleanor moved to Sioux Rapids where they purchased the Gambles Store. For over 30 years, they took pleasure in running their Gambles businesses in both Sioux Rapids and Alta. Later they would call Apple Valley, Minnesota, their home. There Larry worked at Apple Valley Villa, a senior living complex. He enjoyed his work, but most of all the residents and staff. In 2007, Larry retired and moved back to Alta after Eleanor passed. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Larry. He loved to creatively cook, including making cookies for the neighbor kids and churches, had a flair for a fun time, and had an uncanny ability to make both conversation and jokes. He was a storyteller and enjoyed visiting with people and had a knack for fixing about anything. His reply when asked “how he was doing” was “you do the best with what you got!” Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Melody (Jim “J.W.”) Buckendahl of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Jill Buckendahl of Austin, Texas; Jared Buckendahl of Waukee, Iowa; Tyler Buckendahl of Waukee, Iowa; Ryan Buckendahl of Alta, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Vaughn Melander, Verlene Hayden and Donna (Melvin) Griggs; brothers-in-law, Bill Henry and Darwin (Nadine) Henry; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Melander; his parents, Harry and Ethel Melander, three brothers: Vincent, Harry, and Bob and sister, Harriet; and sister-in-law, Arlene (Harold) Hedstrom.

Larry Melander

January 9, 1933 - March 31, 2021