There will be a memorial Mass for Melvin Loidolt, of blessed memory, on Saturday June 29th at St. Andrew’s the Apostle Catholic Church in Indianapolis at 10:30 AM with luncheon to follow.
Melvin J. Loidolt, 84
Melvin J. Loidolt, a resident of Indianapolis, Ind., formerly of Pierz, MN passed away Monday, June 10, 2013, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, June 14, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz, with Father Kenneth Popp officiating. Burial took place in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Melvin J. Loidolt was born Nov. 5, 1928, on a farm near Pierz, to Frank and Josephine (Happke) Loidolt. Mel was the sixth child in the family of nine children. Richard, Dorene, Elmer, Laura and Cora have passed away. Patricia (Dick) Bujalski of Pierz, Ron (Bonnie) Loidolt of Fort Ripley and Sharilyn Busta of Peru, Ind., survive. Mel has two grandchildren: Jordan and Kaleigh. Mel has 32 nieces and nephews.
Mel’s military service was in the United States Army in Germany. He continued his elementary teacher’s education at Bemidji University in Bemidji, graduating in August 1954. In all, he taught 41 years in the states and overseas. In Germany, he taught in the American Dependent School in Mainz and Heidelberg where he met Kathryn Sullivan. They were married Aug. 16, 1958, in Corning, Iowa. The couple returned to Heidelberg, Germany. Their daughter, Mary, was born June 24, 1961, but lived only 11 hours. They transferred to Asmara, Eritrea, East Africa, one year; to Seoul, Korea, one year; Camp Zama, Japan, three years, serving 10 years of teaching American children of military families. Their son, Marcus Jon, was born in the military hospital in Camp Zama, Japan. Mel and Kay returned to the United States and settled in Indianapolis, Ind., where their daughter, Kim, was born. Mel taught in Warren Township at Eastridge Elementary School for 24 years. He received his master’s degree at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Mel retired from teaching school in 1990. During his retirement, he was active in St. Andrew’s Catholic Church on a variety of projects. He served as president on the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 18 years and was recently honored with their “Top Hat” award for his dedication to the organization. He was a member of the Secular Franciscans, Knights of Columbus #5290 and American Legion and also enjoyed being an usher for Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) for many years.
Mel will long be remembered for the kindness and compassion he bestowed on so many and the abundance of joy he brought to his family and friends.
In blessed repose, grant, O Lord, eternal rest to the soul of Your servant, Melvin Loidolt, and remember him forever. Vičnaja jemu pamjať.