Rev. Mel Wolters

Melvin Ronald Wolters was born the son of Walter (Tiny) and Mollie (Steinmetz) Wolters on December 22, 1932 at Eden, Idaho. Mel was baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on January 1, 1933 at Trinity Lutheran, Eden, and confirmed his baptismal faith on March 30, 1947 at Trinity. He graduated high school at Concordia, Portland, and later served in the United States Army in Germany. On May 6, 1956 he was united in marriage to Elaine Holtzen at Immanuel Lutheran in Twin Falls. He worked with his father and brothers in Tiny and Sons Construction, doing land-leveling and road construction. After attending Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, he enrolled at Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, graduating in 1967. From 1967-97 he served four parishes in Canada in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, two of them being mission starts. He served as chairman and secretary of district mission boards for 22 years. He participated in the formation and founding of Lutheran Church-Canada. He served as chaplain at several hospitals and for veterans associations. Melvin enjoyed gardening, mechanical repairs, camping, brewing beer, and hunting. One of his greatest earthly joys was his two pick-ups with Cummins Turbo Diesels. The Gospel of Christ came first; the “gospel of Cummins” was right behind. He made a number of “disciples.” Mel is survived by his wife, Elaine, daughters, Carolyn Heider (George), Joyce Sedlmayr (Roger), and Tammy Klarenbach (Chris), and son, Michael (Lisa). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Crystal Wolters. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Martin and Eldon, and one sister-in-law, Marie. We give thanks to God for Melvin’s faith as a sinner redeemed by the blood of Christ. We give thanks for his life lived in that faith to the glory of God and in service to God’s people. His favorite passage of Scripture is recorded in Isaiah 40:30-31: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. We hear the voice of the Master saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” A visitation will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Jerome on December 30, 2021 at 11:30am. Followed by the service at 1:00pm. A reception will be held at the church after the service. Procession will leave promptly at 3:30 for Interment service at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Eden. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Lutheran Hour c/o Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO 63141; or Lutheran Heritage Foundation, 51474 Romeo Plank, Macomb, MI 48042; or the charity of your choice. View Mel's Memories video at https://youtu.be/MZS5wdZFEyE YOUTUBE Service Link https://youtu.be/Mzh5uxk6Rp8