Irvin C. Melby, 90, Union Grove, died Feb. 16, 2015, at his home in the loving presence of his family.
He was born April 18, 1924, to the late Ingvald and Milla (Johnson) Melby in Pigeon Falls.
He married Lillian Lockman on June 29, 1946. They were married for 58 years prior to her passing in 2004. Irv worked for Grove Gear Regal Beloit and retired in 1986 after 22 years of service. He also loved working as a dairy farmer with his dad, as a young man, and later on his own. He entertained his family as a ‘storyteller extraordinaire’ always making family gatherings lighthearted and fun. Being only second generation born in America, he was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. His warm and caring presence will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his children, William (Becky) Melby, David (Maryann) Melby, June (Pat) Rogers; grandchildren, Scott (Kristen) Melby, Jeffrey (Holly) Melby, Aaron (Adrianne) Melby, Mark (Brittany) Melby, David (Toni Lyn) Melby, Jr., Christopher (Andi) Rogers, Carrie (Dennis) Lieding, and Mandy (Chris) Rogers Coyle; 21 great-grandchildren; his brother, Robert (Beatrice) Melby; and his sister-in-law, Elsie Melby.
He was further preceded in death by his infant daughter, Phyllis June Melby; his daughter-in-law, Karen Gilmore Melby; and his brother, Melvin Melby.
Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1-3 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Union Grove. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Ramirez will begin at 3 p.m. An additional service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall in German Valley on Monday, Feb. 23. Burial will immediately follow at Pigeon Falls Evangelical Lutheran Lower Church Cemetery. Miller-Reesman Funeral Home, Union Grove, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.miller-reesman.com.
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