Melbourne "Mel'" James Ryks

Melbourne "Mel" James Ryks, age 92, of Clara City, passed away Monday, May 25, at the Clara City Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond.  Military honors will be provided by the Peter Leuze American Legion Post #420.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church and will continue for one hour before the service.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Mel was born on November 14, 1933, at home near Bunde, Minnesota, the son of John Jr. and Anna (Ulferts) Ryks.  He grew up and received an 8th-grade education in the rural Raymond community.  From 1954 to 1956, Mel served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alameda, California, during the Korean War.  On July 8, 1955, at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg, Mel was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Wieberdink and celebrated 70 years together.  After his service in the army was finished, they returned to Minnesota. They lived in Raymond and various places across MN while he worked on road construction for Berghuis Construction.  In 1965, they took over the family farming operation.  Mel loved everything about farming!  After selling his farm operation, he was able to farm for his neighbor, Steve Freese, for about 20 years, continuing to do what he truly enjoyed.

Mel was a life member of the Raymond Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and deacon.  He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hiking in Arizona, and camping in our state and national parks.  He and Bev were proud to say that they had camped in every state park in Minnesota.  They spent over 25 winters down in Tucson, Arizona. 

He is survived by his three children, Merlin (and Shirley) Ryks of Sioux Center, Iowa, Kevin Ryks (and Betty Strommer) of Roseland and Renae (and Terry) Epema of Clara City; eight grandchildren, Brady (and Katie), Travis, Ryan, Brian (and Elizabeth), Joshua (and Claudia), Kailee (and Trent), Justin (and Elizabeth) and Brittney (and Nicholas); nineteen great grandchildren; and one sister, JoAnne (and Curt) Slagter of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Beverly, on October 1, 2025; and one sister, Lorraine (and Jake) Boonstra.

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