Melvin James Ahlquist

Melvin "Mel" James Ahlquist left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 4th, 2014 with his family at his side. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 at Trimble United Methodist Church with Reverend Martha Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. with the family present from 6-8 P.M. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 at the Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Mel was born May 15, 1929 the son of Harold and Verna Ahlquist. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1949. After farming with his brother, he married Marilyn Hansen on November 25,1955. They made their home in Sioux City and raised four children who are very thankful for being blessed with such wonderful parents. Mel was a dedicated employee of the City of Sioux City serving for over 30 years as a mechanic. He invented a machine patented by the City and used to repair chains for City vehicles. Mel is remembered fondly by many as their baseball coach, their Cub Scout leader, and their mentor. Mel was always helping someone, fixing their car or their mower. He was an active member of Trimble United Methodist Church for more than 50 years serving on numerous committees, was a Trustee, and cared for the grounds and building repairs. Mel loved snowmobile trips to the Black Hills and his trips to the Indy 500 races. The acreage that Mel shared with Marilyn after the kids were grown was a place where they built not only the gazebo in the backyard, but they also built beautiful memories where grandchildren swam, rode snowmobiles, ate sweet corn, and picked pumpkins. He spent countless hours gardening and driving around the acreage on his golf cart, another sweet memory his grandchildren will hold close to their hearts. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 58 years Marilyn Ahlquist of Sioux City who has been at his side for the last 8 years as he battled Parkinson's Disease; daughter Kim Jenkins, son Troy Ahlquist and daughter-in-law Melissa, daughter Joan Hansen and son-in-law Roger, daughter Jane Krehbiel and son-in-law Jay all of Sioux City; grandchildren Adam (Hannah) and Aaron (Stacie) Jenkins, Tyler (fiancé Nichal), Chris (Courtney), and Nick Ahlquist, Andrew and Lizzie Konz, Joseph Hansen, Allie (Matt) Otto, Kip and Bryn Krehbiel; step grandchildren Tim and Zach (Katrina) Hansen; great grandchildren Jaden, Kiahna, Carter, Averi, Jax, and Owen; brothers Maynard Ahlquist, Marvin Ahlquist, and Marlin Ahlquist; sister Mary and brother-in-law John Porter; sister-in-law Roberta Hansen, special friends Marilyn and Toby Tyler, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, infant grandson Benjamin Konz, brother-in-laws Wally and Dick Hansen, sister-in-laws Edith and Betty Ahlquist. Thank you to the employees at Sunrise that took special interest in Mel and shared their love with Mel and his family.