Alvin Macheel

Alvin "Ian" Macheel, age 63, of Motley passed away at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, on Monday, November 16, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services are planned for Friday, November 20 at 11:00 am at the Motley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-7 at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Motley Public Cemetery.

Alvin "Ian" was born on January 2, 1946 in Oadby England, to Alvin and Georgina (Ward) Macheel. He grew up in the Motley area and graduated from Motley High School in 1964. He attended machinist training at that Staples Vo Tec, finishing in 1966. On March 11, 1967 Ian married Marie Engstrom, at the Motley Methodist Church. Ian worked for 3M in Staples as a machinist until he retired in 2002. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, wintering in Arizona, hiking in the mountains, flower gardening, golf and carving diamond willow walking sticks and canes. He was a member of the church building committee and the church Mens club. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Mano Amiga,a Mexican Missions group, and the Motley Fire Department for 22 years. He was always willing to help anyone in need.

Ian is survived by his wife, Marie; children; Melissa of Minneapolis and Jason of Motley; grandson and best buddy, Wyatt; mother, Georgina; siblings, Frances (Bill) Kokett of Motley, Pauline (Robert) Dukowitz of Nikiski, Alaska, Jim Macheel of Audubon, MN and Dennis (Cindy) Macheel of Detroit Lakes, MN; mother-in-law, Marian Engstrom; sisters-in-law, Margie (Steve) Solem and Molly (Randy) Skeesick; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and father-in-law.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.