He was born April 5, 1931, in Rural Oconto, to Carl and Ida (Camin) Achterberg, the last of nine children. He attended school in rural District No. 217 and graduated from Oconto High School. He was drafted into the army and took training in Maryland and went on to serve in Japan for the remainder of his service time. After returning home and working for some time in Lexington, he returned to the farm with his brothers.
Melvin was an avid and accomplished trapshooter, enjoying many shoots around the state. He also enjoyed upland game, waterfowl, coyote hunting, and taking care of shooting any pests around the farm. He and his brothers farmed and raised cattle for many years, but eventually went to farming only as that is what they loved most. He was a member of First Lutheran Buffalo, and his faith was always important to him. His mother died on the day of his confirmation.
Survivors include three nephews, Dale (Cinda) Hladky of Cozad, Nebraska, Larry (Shelly) Achterberg of Alma, Nebraska, Jason Achterberg of Stamford, Nebraska, and two nieces, Sue (Leonard) May of Lexington, Nebraska and Cleone (Jim) Sturtevant of Evansville, Indiana. Also, his special friend, Bonnie Eggleston of Oconto, Nebraska, as well as several great, and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the First Lutheran Church at Buffalo, at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Victor Rasmussen, officiating.
Interment will be held at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery where his family is buried.
Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church at Buffalo, 42957 Buffalo Rd, Lexington, Nebraska, 68850, or to the Christ Lutheran Cemetery.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
