Melvin L. Meling of Batavia, IL, passed away Friday, January 6, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He had been diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2011. He was born July 25, 1929, in Rochelle, Illinois, to Oscar and Mary Meling. He graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1948, and received a football scholarship to attend Iowa State University where he played varsity football for three years. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1952 and married Jeanette Wigen in June of 1952.
He received a ROTC commission in the Air Force where he served until 1955.
He owned and operated Valley Fasteners, Inc. in Batavia, IL, selling his business and retiring in 1995.
He had many interests, but in the last years his passion was bicycle riding, going on many bike tours here and abroad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Clarence, George, LaVern and sisters, Mildred Detweiler and Helen Friday.
Surviving him are his wife, Jeanette, son, Jeffrey (Linda) of Gainesville, FL, daughter, Joan (Dean Downs) of Grand Rapids, MI and 2 granddaughters, Natalie and Audrey Downs and 2 grandsons, Aaron and Ethan Meling. Also surviving is a sister, Cathryn Moore, of Rockford.
Mel and Jeanette are members of Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mel's memory to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760, Bethany Lutheran Church 8 S. Lincoln St., Batavia, IL 60510, and Chapel on the Hill, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole, FL 33776 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 126 E. South St., Creston, IL 60113.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm, Friday, January 20 at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, IL. Mel's memorial service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Creston, IL at 11am on Saturday, January 21, 2012 with Rev. Ron Larson officiating.