Earl Melville

Earl R. Melville, 75, of Chippewa Falls, village of Lake Hallie, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at Wissota Transitions in Chippewa Falls under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

He was born August 25, 1935 in Chippewa County to Mary (Frerking) and Elmer Melville. He grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1953.

After high school, he started working at Chippewa Brass and Aluminum Foundry. He helped build the original building for the business. In 1962, Earl purchased the business, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1997, but still remained actively involved until his death. He made and generously donated many plaques in the Chippewa Falls area including, the municipal building plaque at the county courthouse; the flagpole plaque at the public library; the Veteran's Memorial Bridge plaque; Kemper's Woods plaques; as well as plaques throughout the United States; and Civil War Cannon Carriages in Irvine Park.

Earl enlisted in Wisconsin National Guard in 1952 and served until 1962, when he was put on active duty to serve during the Berlin Crisis.

He married Helen Moucha on November 10, 1956 at the Jim Falls United Methodist Church in Jim Falls. The couple enjoyed many wonderful vacations together and loved traveling the world. Following his retirement, they bought a motor home and traveled the U.S., visiting many casinos along the way.

Earl was past president and former member of the Eagle's Snowmobiling Club; member of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corp.; member of the local Investment Club; member of the Old Timer's Club, 32nd Division; and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls.

Earl was very talented musically. He played many instruments including, the push-and-pull, the concertina, the banjo and the accordion. He and his brother Alvin, who also played the accordion, often entertained others by playing together. In the 1960's, Earl was part of a band out of Thorp called the Polish Troubadours.

Survivors include: his wife, Helen of Lake Hallie; a daughter, Lori Melville of Eau Claire; three sons, Rob of Eau Claire, Joseph (Carolyn) of Boyd, James (Nicole) of Chippewa Falls; a sister, Marlene (Gene) Moucha of Cadott; a brother, Alvin (Kathy) of Chippewa Falls; six grandchildren, Brittany, Brooke, Bryan, Alex, Quintin and Hannah; a sister-in-law, Arlene Melville of Chippewa Falls; sister-in-law Jean Moucha; brothers-in-law Bob (Sharon) Moucha, Art (Jane) Moucha, all of Cadott; Marvin (Lois) Moucha of New York; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marion Schultz; and a brother, Ronald.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls, with Rev. Terri Koca officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Cadott American Legion Post #159.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.


Afterservice

A memorial service for Earl W. Melville, 75, of Chippewa Falls, town of Hallie, was held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls. Rev. Terri Koca officiated and musicians were Kathy Tanner, Carl Cronquist, Raleigh Hakes, Henry Rubenzer and Earl's brother, Al Melville. Several shared personal reflections.

Military honors were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council and Alec Bohan bugled "Taps."

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the Melville family.