Melvin Duane Joens

Melvin D. "Buck" Joens, 87, of Dunkerton, died Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the La Porte City Specialty Care from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was born August 30, 1933, the son of Peter and Ruby Spence Joens. Melvin graduated from Dunkerton High School in 1952.

Melvin married Delores Tiedt on September 13, 1953, at the St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Readlyn. He worked construction for Hauptly Construction in Dunkerton for 44 years.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bennington Township and the Polka Club of IA; and Polka Lover's Club of America where they were Chapter Royalty in 1983. He loved woodworking, feeding the squirrels and helping his family.

Melvin served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. Until he was honorably discharged in 1961. He was a member of the Dunkerton Fire Department for 17 years.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Delores; 3 sons, Dennis (Sara) Joens of Dunkerton, Tracy (Glenda) Joens of Shannon, IL, Tim (Joan) Joens of Gilbertville; 13 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Evelyn Andorf of Dike, and Darlene (Bob) Hageman of Hudson; and brother-in-law, Willy Wolff of Waterloo.

He is preceded in death by brother Ernest Joens; sister Beverly Wolff; and grandson, Jason Joens.