Melvin "Sonny" Klimpel, 65, Karlsruhe, formerly of Sawyer, died Monday, August 7, 2006, at his residence.

Melvin was born December 9, 1940, at Minot, North Dakota, the son of Melvin Sr. and Evelyn (Storbeck) Klimpel. He was raised on the family farmstead in Willis Township of Ward County, North Dakota. He attended schools in Willis Township and later at Sawyer.

Melvin was united in marriage to Sharon Otto on October 11, 1959. He served with the North Dakota National Guard for a time and entered into active duty service during the Berlin Crisis with the 164th Engineering Battalion.

Throughout the years, Melvin was employed by Minot Van Lines and Vix Coal Mines, driving trucks for over 40 years. The family moved to Karlsruhe in 1976, where he lived until the time of his death. Sharon died March 31, 1998.

Melvin was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot, and had maintained his farming interests near Karlsruhe. He enjoyed collecting antiques, going to flea markets, playing bingo, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren

His loving family includes : Children: Russell Klimpel, Karlsruhe, Paul (Laurie) Klimpel, Velva, Mark (Sandra) Klimpel, Minot, Melvin "Todd" (Margaret) Klimpel, Battle Mountain, NV, Chad (Sonja) Klimpel, Drake, and Deanna (Randy) Hunter, Karlsruhe; Grandchildren: Ben, Tabitha, Jonathan, Dustin, Alicia, Heather, Jessica, Joshua, James, Tim, Ashley, Aaron, Dalton and Danny; Several Great-Grandchildren; Sisters: Karen Nickle, Norwich, and Kathy Neubauer, Glenburn, and Brother: Maynard Klimpel, Sawyer.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Marlyn.

Funeral service : Friday, August 11, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva.
Visitation : Thursday from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.