Ervin Allen Vellek

CLERGY
Rev. Dean Schroeder
MUSIC
Organist ~ Donna Bohlmann
Soloist ~ Leroy Sorenson
 “Old Rugged Cross”
Congregational Hymns
“Rock of Ages”
“Amazing Grace”
Ervin Vellek, loved father, died on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 82. Ervin was born on January 10, 1928 on the family homestead outside of Tyndall, South Dakota. He was the only son of Hattie (Bambas) and Frank Vellek in a family of four sisters; Mildred Smith (deceased); Violet Watkins (deceased), Josephine Dvorak and Bonnie Reinesch. As a young man, he attended high school and worked on the family farm as well as other local jobs. He enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1949-1952. He had many memories from his tour of duty in Alaska and was very proud to serve his county.  He later became an active member and is a past Post Commander of the American Legion in Tyndall. He worked for Northern Propane for much of his career,  and then ran his own business, Vellek Plumbing and Heating.  He retired after working many years servicing  the public with praised results.
Ervin is father and grandfather to his children and their families: Lynne (Vellek) and Terry Hoffman, Gig Harbor, Washington; Craig Vellek, Tyndall, S.D.; Evan  and Carol (Vellek) Borchard, Black Hawk, S.D.; and Kelly (Vellek) Krier, Kearney, Nebraska; Grandchildren Katie and Scott Hoffman and Connor and Carmen Krier.  Among the life lessons he taught his kids were loyalty to family and to have a sense of humor. 
He was called Uncle 'Erv' not only to his own nieces and nephews but to many others.  Some jokingly referred to Ervin as an honorary mayor of Kaylor.  He also claimed he was allowed to drive through stop signs knowing he would stop twice as long at the next one.  He loved being outdoors, taking care of the yard, catching a baseball, and making conversations with friends and those that would soon be friends.  When working on the farm he would tell his kids, "Lets go outside and do something, even if it's wrong."
You are invited to pay tribute to Ervin at his memorial service, Tuesday, March 30, 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tyndall. Graveside services immediately follow. Memorials may be directed to the Tyndall Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2.