Melvin Weltzin

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 17 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and

10-11 a.m., Wednesday, July 18 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1915 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Wednesday, July 18 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1915 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire

Melvin G. "Mel" Weltzin, 82, of Eau Claire, died Friday, July 13, 2012 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, with his family by his side.

He was born May 19, 1930 in Cadott to Phyllis (Bremness) and George Weltzin. He grew up in Cadott and graduated from Cadott High School in 1948.

Following high school, Mel moved to Chicago, where he worked at the Mars Candy Plant until a position opened at the Railroad. Mel worked as a conductor for the Soo Line Railroad until his retirement in 1995 from Canadian Pacific.

Mel served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until being honorably discharged in 1953.

He married Florence Andersen on September 23, 1954. She preceded him in death on September 2, 2000.

In 2002, Mel attended his class reunion in Cadott and rekindled an old flame with his friend, Jeanette Stabenow. The two began dating and were married on October 19, 2006 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. The couple enjoyed each other's company and went on many wonderful trips together. Although Mel never had children of his own, he welcomed the idea of being part of Jeanette's family and instantly became a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His quick wit and sense of humor will never be forgotten.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 53 in Eau Claire; the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; and Ducks Unlimited. Mel was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to go hunting and never missed a year since 1945, except this past year due to health issues.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette (Roder) Stabenow of Eau Claire; daughter, Brenda (Dean) Kelly of Eau Claire; sons, Brian Stabenow of Eau Claire, Bruce (Carla) Stabenow of Augusta; brothers, Richard (Beverly Starkey) Weltzin of St. Cloud, MN, Gary Weltzin of Cadott; sisters-in-law, Janet Weltzin of Cadott, Lorraine Jaros and Shirley Lottman, both of Chicago; brother-in-law, Lee Andersen of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Ashley and Eric Stabenow, Nicholas and Krista Kelly, Heather (Charles), Holly and Jonathon Stabenow; great-granddaughter, Chloe and a baby great-granddaughter due in October; three step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence; four brothers, Junior, Roger, Wallace and George.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 18 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1915 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire, with the Rev. William Plautz officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Brooklawn Cemetery, Cadott.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 17 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.