Schmelz, Melvin P.

Melvin P. Schmelz, 86, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a short illness. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at St. Jude's Catholic Church, where friends may visit with the family after 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The Rev. Mark Reasoner will officiate. Inurnment, with military rites, at St. Joseph Cemetery. Iowa Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Helen; children, Bernadine “Bernie” Schmelz of Cedar Rapids, Joanne (Buzz) Vance of Lincoln, Neb., and a son, Duane (Diane) of Cedar Rapids.

He is also survived by three grandsons, Justin Schmelz of Cedar Rapids and Anthony and Jeremy Vance of Lincoln, Neb.; nephews, Dennis Kirschbaum of Cassville, Wis. and Kenneth (Pam) Kirschbaum of Cuba City, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Retha Kirschbaum.

Melvin was born on Jan. 30, 1926, in Cassville, Wis., the son of Paul and Josephine Matt Schmelz. He married Helen L. Rider on Sept. 16, 1952, in Wauzeka, Wis. Melvin was a frame technician for Northwestern Bell for over 32 years, retiring in 1979.

He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, the Telephone Pioneers, VFW Post No. 788, American Legion and proudly served two tours of duty in the Army before and during the Korean War.

Melvin enjoyed gardening, feeding the squirrels and time spent with his grandsons.

He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial fund has been established.

Please leave a message or tribute to Melvin's family on the website,

www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.

Published Nov. 18, 2012 in The Gazette