Melvin Nick Zubke

Melvin “Mel” Nick Zubke, age 90, of Laporte, MN passed from this life on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at the Diamond Willow Care Center in Park Rapids.  He was born on September 12, 1928 in Waubay, SD the son of Albert and Pearl (Pies) Zubke.  Mel was six years old when he moved to Laporte with his parents, five sisters and one brother.  Another brother, Lyle, was born once the family moved to Minnesota.  Mel started school in Laporte in 1934 at the age of six.  Mel joined the service in 1951.  He was stationed in Germany where he met the love of his life Gloria Carlson.  The two were united in marriage in Heidelberg, Germany on March 12, 1953.  When they completed their tour of service, they moved to the Laporte area and started their family.  They had four boys, Rod, Nick, Brad and Scott, who passed away as a baby.  Mel was a logger, carpenter, plumber, mason and an electrician.  Mel and Glo also sold real estate for Brooks Realty, which was a branch out of Minneapolis.  Mel started the North Stop Oil Company in 1972 and operated it until his retirement in 2006.  He also liked to fly, so he studied hard and obtained his pilot license, and was part of the Walker Civil Air Patrol.

Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors in nature.  He was an amazing family man, a fantastic father, terrific grandfather and a loving great grandfather.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and his wonderful smile.

The family that Mel joins again are his parents, Albert and Pearl; his bride, Gloria; son, Scott Zubke; sisters, Alice Collver, Mildred Walsh, Inez Hinrich, Phyllis Ulrich and Florence Johnson; and one brother Lavern “Chub” Zubke. 

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his sons, Rod (Cheryl) Zubke, Nick (Kileen) Zubke, and Brad (Lori) Zubke all of Laporte, one brother, Lyle (Shirley) Zubke of Lake George, eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. 

A visitation for Mel will be held Friday, November 23, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 24 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior also held at the Northern Peace Funeral Home, 114 Tianna Drive, Walker, MN.  Pastor Matt McWaters will officiate.  Active urn bearers will be Brandon, Jenny and Shawn.  Honorary urn bearers will be Andrea, Troy, Nathan, Slade and Chad.  A private family inurnment will be held in the Lakeport Cemetery in Laporte following the services on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Northstar Sportsmen Club, P.O. Box 21, Walker, MN 56484.

Mel’s care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be given at www.northernpeace.com

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