Obituary for Melvin Eugene Wise

The family of Melvin Eugene (Fuzzy) Wise 86, of Cedar Rapids, is sad to announce his passing on January 13, 2024. Survivors include son Cory (Jose) and daughter Kandi (Richard) Herb and many relatives. He was preceded in death by his son Mark, his parents; sisters, Phyllis, Thelma, Evelyn, and Ruth Jean; brothers Leland, Manuel, Richard, Laurence, and Leonard. 

Melvin was born May 1, 1937, in Iowa City, IA, son of John I. and Luella (Myers) Wise. He had fond memories growing up on  Cedar Rapid’s westside and enjoyed reminiscing about his childhood years. Melvin was proud of his family and enjoyed talking about his brothers athletic accomplishments. He loved his brothers and sisters very much and always enjoyed their time together. As a teenager he saw Patsy Cline at the Grand Ole Opry. He graduated from Roosevelt High School Cedar Rapids in 1956. There he played basketball and, as he would say, 3 positions on the football team, end, guard and tackle.  He sat at the end of the bench, guarded the water and tackled anyone who got near it.

After high school, he worked at Sanitary Dairy (Land O’ Lakes/Swiss Valley Farms) retiring after 38 years.  He was a hard worker, often picking up extra shifts to provide for his family. Sports were a huge part of his life. He bowled and played softball.  He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed sharing stories about the 1950-1960’s Iowa Hawkeye sports teams. 

He spent several of his retirement years in Sun City, AZ later returning to Cedar Rapids. Melvin enjoyed his many trips with Cory sightseeing around Iowa, driving to Texas, cruises, and seeing Pope Francis in Vatican City, always informing people they shared the same birthday. He looked forward to spending winter months in Texas with Cory and Jose. He enjoyed his morning walks to Hy-Vee often having a cup of coffee and a donut, and always visiting with employees. If not there, you could find him having a sausage biscuit and coffee at McDonald’s. Viewing turtles and birds at Ellis park, as well as flowers and sunsets were other things he took pleasure in. Melvin also enjoyed spending time volunteering for Cedar Rapids AniMeals.   

Melvin knew how to brighten the day for so many which was evident during his hospital stays, always telling stories, and making the doctors and nurses smile and laugh. They knew they were special and cared about when they received the signature Mel wink. He had genuine concern for others, always asking about his relatives and neighbors, wanting to make sure they were okay.  He would open doors for those much younger than him and always let people go ahead of him. He was generous, rarely spending money on himself but offering to on others instead. He would often tell Kandi to sit down and relax, take it easy, don’t worry about me. Melvin’s motto was “Treat people right and always be kind to them.” He was a kind and gentle soul who always thought of others first.

Per his wishes there will be no service celebrating his life, instead in his memory, treat people right and always be kind. We love you and miss you Dad. For anyone concerned about Oscar, he is now residing in Texas with Cory.