Melvin Fredrick Lamaak, age 81, of Carroll, IA, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, IA. Mel was born on September 10, 1934, in Sac City, IA, to Henry and Lena (Palm) Lamaak. He was baptized in 1934 in Lake View, IA, and confirmed into the Catholic faith in 1956. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Carroll.
Mel attended school in Lake View, IA. He was inducted into the United States Army serving from 1953-1956, earning the rank of Sergeant.
On April 21st, 1956, Mel was united in marriage to Arlene Shoemaker in Churdan, IA. They were blessed with seven children: Mary Ann, Norine, Martin, Charles, Jeannie, Colleen and Carolyn. The family made their home in Lake View. After Arlene’s passing, he was blessed with a second marriage to Betty Racobs. Together they enjoyed 24 years, which they referred to as their “24 year honeymoon.”
Mel worked hard as a machinist and foreman at Lake View Concrete Products and retired in 1992. He enjoyed 15 of his retirement years in the Branson, MO area. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, bowling, card playing, dancing, and traveling. His life was centered around his family. Mel was known for putting a smile on the faces of others by his famous jokes or by sharing his stories. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished spending time with his family and friends. Family gatherings brought him great joy. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife Betty Lamaak of Carroll, IA; children: Mary Ann (Kevin) Schultz of Denison, IA; Norine (Terry) Paulson of Fort Dodge, IA; Charles (JoAnn) Lamaak of Hiawatha, IA; Jeannie (Dick) Schwarzkopf of Wall Lake, IA; Colleen (Kevin) Carstens of Shakopee, MN; Carolyn (Kevin) Pederson of Oskaloosa, IA; grandchildren: Allison (Abel) Shaw of Johnston, IA, Corey (Gina) Schultz of Waukee, IA, Megan (Nate) Herrig of Clinton, IA, Morgan (Shaun) Lehmann of Norwalk, IA, Jodi (Nick) Cookson of Wilmington, DE; Jessica (Cory) Beans of California, MD; Paul (Sarah) Lamaak of Poulsbo, WA; Aaron (Jaymie) Lamaak of North Liberty, IA; Benjamin (Elena) Lamaak of Ankeny, IA; Kyle Lamaak of Hiawatha, IA; Joel Schwarzkopf of Grimes, IA; Matt Schwarzkopf of Wall Lake, IA; Joshua Carstens of Shakopee, MN; Emily Carstens of Shakopee, MN; Alex Christenson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Allie Christenson (fiancé Tyce) of Fort Dodge, IA; 12 great-grandchildren; step-son Brad Racobs of Lake View, IA; step-daughter Beckyjo Racobs of Carroll, IA; sister Darlene Segebart of Colorado; brother Ronnie (Ann) Lamaak of Sac City, IA; brother-in-law Robert (Diane) Richards; sister-in-law Jane Richards; step-grandchildren: Bradley Jr, Ashton and Ryli Racobs; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Melvin was preceded in death by his son Martin Lamaak, wife Arlene, parents, parents-in-law Herman and Ruby Richards, and step-daughter Brenda Racobs.
