Melvin & Clara (Backman) Eschenbaum
After Mary's death, Melvin was very lonely. His hopes of enjoying his senior years were dashed since his
children were now
leaving the nest and the bills were being caught up. Melvin had a grieving
period possible not much different then many who lose
their spouses in the middle of their years, he being 52. He was living in
a small town, one that he had grown up in, albeit on a farm
16 miles from the town's limits. He knew everyone in town.
His brothers and sisters were all around him, yet he felt alone. He became
the "catch" for many of the single women in town and
some did pursue him. He worked at Faulkton Memorial Hospital and became
more friendly with a lady there who was the lab
technician and X-Ray technician. During their down time they spent "coffee
klatch" together and found a relationship growing.
Over time that relationship bonded together, thus Melvin and Clara married 29
February, 1970. Some sort of winced at such a
marriage so soon after Mary's death. However, his immediate family did not
have one ounce of worry. I personally spoke to my
parent's on the "what ifs" if one should die. Mom was quick to respond
that she would hope Dad would get married again. She
wanted him happy and not be alone. They were married by the local
Methodist minister with Dad's sister, Marjorie and her husband,
Vern Bellack as
their witnesses. It was a very quiet, personal ceremony. Thus, Clara
and Melvin began their lives
together as
wife and husband.
They continued to work and live in Faulkton at the hospital. Dad regained
his sparkle and enjoyment of life as his children
witnessed. It was odd having a different woman in the home but we adjusted
to the changes. Dad began to remodel the house
as a project they did together. Thus, Melvin's family grew again as a
family feeling whole again.
Clara and Melvin circa 1982.
Soon, there were rumors that the hospital may close in Faulkton. Since
they both worked at the hospital, it would have been
quite the blow to each lose their jobs at the same time. So, they started
looking. Dad said that they would go where Clara could
find a position since she was the professional having a degree in X-Ray
technology. He could find work doing anything. They ended up
moving to Winner, South Dakota with Clara accepting the offer of becoming Head
of Winner Baptist X-Ray Department. Dad
sold the house and moved to
Winner. They rented for the first year and
purchased their home the next
year.
Melvin's daughter, Jane wanted to get out of
Faulkton, and followed her folk's to Winner a month later. Thus, Dad and
Clara
had grandchildren around them. They developed a very close bond and that
continues to this day.
Melvin and Clara with the "Burdick" grandkids, Janelle, Kent and Tom... circa
1978
Clara and Janelle became especially close sharing the same birthday.
Jane, Jeff, Clara, Melvin & John circa 1983 ( Judy
lived out of state)
Melvin & Clara's first great-grandchild, Balaun Burdick, daughter
of Kent Burdick circa. 1990
Melvin Eschenbaum family.........Black Hills
Reunion circa 1993
Back: Bill & Jane Burdick, son John, grand-daughter Tasha Eschenbaum,
daughter-in-law Gertrude, son Jeffery, grandson Tom Burdick. Front:
grand-daughters Cassandra Eschenbaum, Janelle Burdick, grandson Tom's wife,
Becky, Melvin, Clara and
grandson Kent Burdick. ( Judy's family were not able to attend
this reunion. )
During their together years they each
worked, saved and lived their lives traveling during vacations. They went
through almost all
states in the USA except for the far south. They traveled into Canada,
which Dad and Clara really enjoyed the most and spoke of it
frequently.
They really enjoyed camping, first purchasing
a pop-up Sears camping trailer, then a 28 foot Holiday camping trailer to an RV
motor home.
 
Clara and Melvin on one of their many camping journey's, possibly one of our
family reunions
and their pal, "Lady" the poodle.
Melvin and Clara circa late 90's
Melvin and Clara circa 2000
Melvin passed away, written elsewhere 2 April, 2005. He
was at home, sitting at his own bed with Clara beside him. Now,
she continues to live in their home, driving their RV motor home where she and
Melvin spent so many hours together and with
family and friends.
Jim & Clara Eschenbaum @ Clara's surprise 75th birthday celebration in Ponca,
Nebraska
Clara
with her siblings and last surviving aunt, youngest sister to her mother.
Clara's 75th Birthday Party
L to R:
Andy--Arlene--Patty--Bonnie--Clara--Connie
Aunt Lillian sitting.
May, 2007
| 
Christ & Ingeborg Hansen
Families
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