Melvin J. Hiltner, age 81 of Burtrum, died Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ronald Dockendorf officiating.

Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church in Grey Eagle. Parish prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Monday evening at the church.

Melvin Joseph Hiltner was born March 12, 1929 in Melrose, Minnesota to John and Agnes (Dickhaus) Hiltner. He was united in marriage to Irene Speldrich on June 25, 1960 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade.

Melvin was employed by Worms Lumber & Ready Mix Inc. until 1979. He also worked at a turkey farm near New Munich and most recently at their home farm near Burtrum.

Melvin was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Hiltner of Burtrum; son, Steve (Donna) Hiltner of Melrose; daughters, Karen Hiltner of Burtrum and Jodi (Kenneth) Timp of Melrose; grandchildren, Christopher, Nathan, and Marissa Hiltner, and Travis and Serena Timp; brothers and sisters, Martha Butkowski of New Munich, Lidwina Wolbeck of Grey Eagle, Alphonse Hiltner of Melrose, Leander (Linda) Hiltner of Scandia, Clarissa Barthel of Grey Eagle, Anna Mae (Donald) Speldrich of Belgrade, and Cyril (Carolyn) Hiltner of Belgrade.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward Hiltner, Edwin Hiltner, and Raymond Hiltner; and sisters, Leona Wolbeck, Alvina Hiltner, and Juletta Kunstleben Wolbeck.

Serving as casket bearers will be Christopher Hiltner, Nathan Hiltner, Travis Timp, Tim Hiltner, Gary Speldrich, and Lyle Barthel. Cross bearer will be Serena Timp and scripture bearer will be Marissa Hiltner