Melvin “Mel” Hooker

Published June 04, 2020 at 4:14 PM

Melvin Freddie Hooker of Park Rapids, MN died on Monday, June 1, 2020 at the Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids, MN.

Melvin was born August 18, 1931 to Fred and Elaine (Nelson) Hooker in Lake Hattie Township, Hubbard County, MN. He attended Lake Alice School. Melvin enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in the Korean War.

He married Elaine Madsen on October 4, 1958 at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset. This union was blessed with two children, Diane and Bruce.

Melvin owned & operated a sawmill as well as Hooker Logging & Lumber. His work ethic was second to none. Melvin was committed to reforesting land as a source of timber to provide for future generations. Over his lifetime, he planted hundreds of thousands of trees. He enjoyed deer hunting, rebuilding tractors, & connecting with others over a good cup of coffee.

Melvin was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Park Rapids, the Menahga VFW, the Park Rapid’s American Legion and the Korean 92nd Armored Field Artillery reunion group.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, of 62 years; his children, Diane (Keith) Backer of Tenstrike, MN, and Bruce (Renae) Hooker of Elk River, MN; his grandchildren Layne (Wade) Chiodo of Grand Rapids, MN and Kelsey and Justin Hooker of Elk River, MN; & his great grandchildren Kolby, Cora and Harlow Chiodo of Grand Rapids, MN.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and Fred; his in-laws, Elvin and Lillian Madsen; his sister, Hazel Craft; and granddaughter, Joslynn Backer.

A public graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, without visitation. Friends & family may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Cease Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.