Melvin Schlichting, 75, of Klemme, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Dayspring Assembly of God, 208 6th Ave SW, Belmond, IA 50421. Burial will be in the Amsterdam Cemetery in Goodell.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Melvin James Schlichting, the son of Glen and Lois (Barkema) Schlichting, was born in Mason City, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Klemme, where his passion for farming started at a young age. Melvin attended school in Klemme and, after high school, returned to the farm to work full time.

On January 8, 1972, Melvin was united in marriage to Dixie Anderson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Belmond. To this union, four children were born. The couple raised their children on the family farm, where there was always something to do and plenty of lessons to be learned about farming and hard work.

On November 1, 2015, Melvin was united in marriage to Judy Turner at Dayspring Assembly of God in Belmond. The couple enjoyed their life together on the farm and spending time doing the things they enjoyed.

When he wasn't farming, Melvin enjoyed fishing and golfing. He also enjoyed occasionally spending a winter in the South, although his family knew he could only stay away from the farm for so long.

Melvin was a provider and took his responsibility to his family seriously. Though the fields will look a little different without him, Melvin’s legacy will continue in the family, the land he cared for, and the lessons he taught through a lifetime of hard work.

He is survived by his wife Judy Schlichting of Klemme; children Angel (Lance) Critten of Gallatin, Missouri and their children Hannah and Leah, Ryan (Sara) Schlichting of Lake Elmo, Minnesota and their children Isaac and Lucas, Lisa (Tim) Roush of Perry, Iowa and their children Keegan, Lexi and Jayden, Jason (Meghan) Schlichting of Stillwell, Kansas and Taylor Jo (Brandon) Whipple of Brimson, Missouri and children Khya, Melodie, Maggie Jo and Carson; his brothers Wayne Schlichting and Merlin (Kay) Schlichting of Britt; sister-in-law Susan (Dennis) Kuntz and brother-in-law Steven (Shelly) Smith of Galt, Missouri along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Glen Schlichting, Lois Schlichting, Glen Pals, his parents-in-law Archie and Raymah Smith, and his sister-in-law Linda Schlichting.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dayspring Assembly of God or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.