Melvin Bernard Houlden, age 78, of Elwood, Nebraska, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, Nebraska. He was born January 22, 1929 at Lexington, Nebraska to Clyde Sr. and Mary (Hanson) Houlden.

Melvin attended school in Elwood, Nebraska and graduated in 1948. He attended college at York, Nebraska. Melvin enlisted in the Army in 1951 and was stationed in Korea until August, 1953. He then farmed with his father south of Elwood.

Melvin was joined in marriage with Berdina Lucille Moritz on January 1, 1956 at Salem Lutheran Church of rural Elwood, Nebraska. They made their home south of Elwood where he farmed, and also did carpentry work for 35 years.

Melvin was a loving father to his children. His memory will be respected and cherished by:
Stan and Margo Houlden, Kolby and Kate of Friend, Nebraska
Connie Houlden of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Ed and Julie Houlden of Elwood, Nebraska , Kate and Kevin Reiners, Carson & Bryce, Betsy Hofman and Jake Hofman
Dan and Suzanne Houlden and Danielle of Memphis, Tennessee
Mary Jane and John Ervin, John IV and Brianna of North Liberty, Iowa
Rocky and Suzie Oaklund, Cherie and Carrie of Kearney, Nebraska
Nancy and Steve Schutz of Elwood, Nebraska
Russell and Judy Oaklund of Wahoo, Nebraska
Susie and Tim MacDonald, Jamie, Devin and Maili of Amherst, Ohio
Linda and Carl Clark, Carla and Mitchell of Milford, Nebraska
Ronnie and Katrina Oaklund of Elwood, Nebraska, Codina, Shane and Conner Schutz, Wayco Oaklund and fiancée Megan Atterbery
Also Denny and Irene Kenning of Elwood, Nebraska, Kelly & Shannon Bennet and Cuoy, Tag and Sandy Kenning, Lauren, Keaton and Kolten
Melvin was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Elwood, Nebraska. He was a 43 year member of American Legion Post 290, also of Elwood.

Melvin is survived by a Brother, Dean (Elaine) Houlden of Elwood, Nebraska, Sister Barbara (Dave) Holloway of Poquosen, Virginia, Sister-in-law Ruby Houlden of Hastings, Nebraska, Brother-in-law Sterling Moritz of Lexington, Nebraska, Sister-in-law Verna Moritz of Cozad, Nebraska, Sister-in-law Donna (Delmar) Lehman of Juniata, Nebraska, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Clyde Houlden, Jr., Sister Doris Moncrief, his Father and Mother-in-law, John and Lucy (Puls) Moritz, 6 brother-in--laws and sister-in-laws, grandson Shayne MacDonald, and several nieces and nephews.
Condolences or personal reflections can be left at www.elwoodfuneralhome.com

Viewing & visitation will be Friday, March 9, from 9 AM till 8 PM at Elwood Funeral Home, in Elwood, Nebraska and prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 10, at 1:30 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood, Nebraska with Rev. Jeff Ernstmeyer, officiating. Burial will be at Elwood Cemetery, Elwood, Nebraska. Military rites will be given by the American Legion Post #290 of Elwood, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post #290, of Elwood, Nebraska or the Elwood Legion baseball program.
Elwood Funeral Home, of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.