Obituary for Melvin P. Schmelz

Melvin P. Schmelz, 86, of Cedar Rapids died Friday November 16, 2012 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a short illness. Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM on Saturday November 24, 2012 at St. Jude''s Catholic Church where friends may visit with the family after 9:30 AM on Saturday. 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, Nebraska 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, Nebraska; nephews Dennis Kirschbaum of Cassville, Wisconsin and Kenneth (Pam) Kirschbaum of Cuba City, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Retha Kirschbaum. Melvin was born on January 30, 1926 in Cassville, Wisconsin, the son of Paul and Josephine Matt Schmelz. He married Helen L. Rider on September 16, 1952 in Wauzeka, Wisconsin. 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 prior 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.