Melvin C. Bawek, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus-Rochester surrounded by his loving family.

Melvin was born in Windom Township, Minnesota, outside of Austin, on Sept. 8, 1929, to Benjamin and Theresa Koenig (King) Bawek. He grew up on the family farm and attended Austin area schools. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1951, he was united in marriage to Julianne E. Guintire and they had four children. Melvin was employed by Hormel Foods Corporation and retired from the company after nearly 40 years. His life focused on family, friends and faith. Among Mel’s favorite pastimes were playing golf, riding his scooter around Austin, attending church at St. Augustine Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong member, and attending functions at the many clubs to which he belonged. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Pat Rabideau of Austin, Rick (Judy) Bawek of Lakeville, Minnesota, Lisa Thomas and Mark O’Leary of Austin, and Diane “Deetz” Spaid (Bawek) of Austin; six grandchildren, Amy, Travis, Brandi, Mark, Tyson and Ingrid; 13 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Leo of Tennessee, Ronald of Delaware, Darlene Reuter of Iowa and Janet Roberts of Austin; brother-in-law, Jack Guintire; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Rasmussen; and many nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Theresa Bawek; his wife, Julianne Bawek; and seven of his 11 siblings, Gilbert, Lurena, Alice, Robert, Eugene, Laverne and Norbert.

Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, followed by a prayer service. Private interment will take place at a later date. Memorials can be directed in Melvin’s memory to a recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.