Melvin 'Mel' V. Horak, 41, of Ellendale, died Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Methodist Hospital. Mel was born January 6, 1968 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Vernon and Joan (Cigrang) Horak. He lived in Somerset Township with his family until the age of five when they moved to Clinton Falls. There he was raised and attended school in Medford graduating from Medford High School in 1986. He moved back to Somerset Township where his family owned a farm and there he helped farm with his step father, Lowell. He was united in marriage to ReNae Juhnke on August 17, 1991 in the United Methodist Church, Owatonna. Mel was employed at Truth Hardware for over 21 years. While working there he also continued farming. He had a special interest and love for John Deere tractors. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He could fix most anything and enjoyed working on tractors and welding. Mel was quite the jokester and often pulled pranks on family and friends. He had a quick wit about him. Mel also enjoyed going to farm auctions. Mel was the type of man that would do anything for his family and friends. Even if he was busy, he always made time for them. He will be truly missed by his family and those that knew him. He is survived by his wife ReNae Horak of Ellendale; his mother, Joan Johnson of Owatonna; a sister, Kimberly (and Darel) Dinse of Ellendale; and a special nephew that they raised as their son since the age of five, Ryan Horak of Ellendale. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Horak, his 'Pa', Lowell Johnson; and his brother, Michael Horak. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 30 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 31, at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Owatonna. Visitation: 12/30/2009 16:00 12/30/2009 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 12/31/2009 11:00