Melvin Francis Poetker, 77, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.
He was born March 13, 1942, in Jefferson City, the son of the late Anthony Herman “Tony” and Marie Agnes (Yanskey) Poetker.
He was a graduate of Helias High School where he was a member of the 1958 State Golf Championship Team. He later attended Christian Brothers University in Memphis.
Melvin joined the United States Army in 1963, graduated from the Army Signal School at Ft. Monmouth, NJ in 1964 and from Spartan School of Electronics in Tulsa, OK in 1968. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1969.
Melvin worked for IBM as an electronic engineer in St. Louis until his retirement in 1997. Following his retirement, he moved back to Jefferson City to care for his mother in her final years.
He was a charter member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. He enjoyed playing in several golf leagues and spending time with his cousins.
He is survived by his extended family members including six cousins, Larry Poetker, Jerry Kauffman, Robert Kauffman, Jim Poetker, Marilyn Temmen, and JoAnn Borgmeyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Louis Nelen officiating.
Entombment with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum.
Memorials are suggested to the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Care Fund, 3015 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109; or to St. Joseph Bluffs Benevolent Fund, 1306 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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