Melvin “Mel” James Alfred, age 82 of rural New Ulm died on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

Funeral service will be 11 am on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm. Father Mark Steffl will officiate the service, and burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life reception will follow at Turner Hall in New Ulm.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 pm on Sunday, October 4th, and continue from 9-11 am on Monday, October 5th, all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Mel is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dianne Alfred of New Ulm; his sons, Rick (Carolee) Alfred, Randy (Cindy) Alfred, Dean (Kathryn) Alfred all of New Ulm; his grandchildren, Alexa (fiancé Cole Schlesner) Alfred of Lexington, Kentucky, Brynn (Jared) Hill of Jackson, Wisconsin, Calla (friend Cooper Hansen) Alfred of New Ulm, McKenzie (Austin) Lorentz of New Ulm, Mitchell (friend Alyssa Anderson) Alfred of New Ulm, Cole Alfred of New Ulm, Emma (friend Quintin Bergerson) Alfred of Essig, Ben Alfred of New Ulm, Jack Raymond of New Ulm, Karlie Raymond of New Ulm; his great-grandchildren, McCray Hill, Romi Martinez, Crosby, Clara, and Parker Lorentz, and one more great-granddaughter on the way; his sisters, LaVonne (Larry) Christensen of New Ulm, Helen (Bob) Vogel of New Ulm, Joni Ahlness of New Ulm; his sisters-in-law, Judy Alfred, Elaine (Jim) Mickelson, Sharon (Roger) Hoffmann, Shirley (Tony) Schroepfer, Brenda (Spike) Schroepfer, Kathy (Steve) Wersal, Deb (Paul) Schmitz, LuAnn (Dan) Kvasnicka, Leon (Kim) Krzmarzick; his brothers-in-law, Luverne (Rosie), Dennis (Diane) Alvy (Barb) Eugene (Julie) Cletus (friend Cindy Rubendall) Krzmarzick; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Irene Alfred, his father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Linus and Angeline Krzmarzick; his grandson, Ethan Alfred; his brother, Myron Alfred; his nephew, Robert “Bob” Christensen; sister-in-law, Deb Krzmarzick; brothers-in-law, Dave Ahlness, Shawn Reynolds.

Melvin “Mel” James Alfred was born March 5, 1944, in New Ulm to Percy and Irene (Knapp) Alfred. Growing up on the family farm in Milford Township, Mel learned at an early age the importance of a good day’s work. Farm life taught him a strong work ethic and the belief that there was always something more that could be done. He learned not to sit around with his hands in his pockets, a lesson that stayed with him throughout his life. Whether it was working on the farm, fixing something that needed attention, or taking on a new project, Mel was happiest when he was busy and accomplishing something.

He attended country grade school, and was a 1962 graduate of New Ulm High School. He was united in marriage to Dianne Krzmarzick on June 8, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. This union blessed the couple with three sons, whom they raised together in rural New Ulm. Mel worked at a variety of local businesses in New Ulm before beginning his career with 3M. As a man who always needed to keep busy, he also worked a variety of part-time jobs between shifts throughout his career. Mel worked as a mechanic at 3M from 1972 until his retirement in 2003.

Mel was a man who believed in doing things right the first time. He never believed in taking shortcuts and took pride in doing a job well. He was a talented handyman who could fix, build, or restore just about anything. He enjoyed working alongside his sons, including building houses together, and was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help. Mel was also known for saving just about anything that might someday be useful, believing there was always a purpose for another piece of scrap, part, or material when the right project came along.

One of Mel’s greatest interests was Oliver tractors. He enjoyed collecting and restoring them, taking the same care and attention to detail with his tractors that he did with everything else. His perfectionist nature could also be seen in the meticulous care he gave his lawn and yard. He took pride in keeping everything looking just right. Mel’s work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to help others were simply part of who he was.

Beyond his many projects, Mel will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his enjoyment of the simple things. He had a bit of a sweet tooth and could often be found with a Mountain Dew in hand. As much as Mel enjoyed staying busy with his own projects, some of his favorite times were spent following the activities of his grandchildren. He took great pride in watching them participate in sports and other activities, and he enjoyed being there to support them and cheer them on. His grandchildren gave him plenty of reasons to put down his projects and take a seat in the stands.

Mel lived his life much like he approached his work. He showed up, worked hard, helped others, and took pride in doing things the right way. He leaves behind a lifetime of things he built, fixed, restored, and cared for, but most importantly, he leaves behind the family and friends who were fortunate to know him. His sons and grandchildren will carry with them the lessons he taught through his words and, even more so, through the way he lived his life. Mel will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of calling him husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, or friend. Blessed be his memory.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

Mvfh.org