Eugene Mechelke

Eugene Richard Mechelke, son of Herman and Ruth (Juhl) Mechelke, was born April 21, 1934 in Stillwater, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended school, graduating from Stillwater High School. He continued his education at Hamline University, where he graduated in 1956, receiving his BA in History. Upon graduating from Hamline, he attended the University of Minnesota Law School. In 1957, he obtained his teaching degree from Hamline and began teaching in Morris in 1958. On June 15, 1959, he was united in marriage to Ryoko Okamoto in Japan. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Morris, where Eugene resumed teaching at the Morris High School. Eugene continued his education receiving a double Master's Degree in History and Area Studies in 1967 from the University of Minnesota. Eugene continued to teach in Morris until 1997, when he retired.



He was a member of Federated Church in Morris and the Minnesota Education Association. He received the Fulbright Scholarship for studies in Japan during 1967-68. Eugene enjoyed reading, watching the Duke University basketball team and gardening. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.



Eugene died on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 73 years.



He is survived by his wife: Ryoko Mechelke of Morris; two children: Kurt (Laura) Mechelke of St. Louis, MO and Karin Mechelke of Plymouth; four grandchildren: Morgan, Cole, Callie and Christopher,one brother: David (Donna) Mechelke of New Richmond, WI, his aunt and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: John Mechelke.



Cheryl Rempel will serve as organist for the service, with Christopher Mechelke providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.