Obituary: Melvin F. Vande Berg

by Jim Dittmann
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Melvin F. Vande Berg, 98, of Beaver Dam was called home to Heaven on November 3, 2014, while residing at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam with the Rev. Philip Heyer officiating.  A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, Township of Trenton, WI. 

On April 18, 1916, Mel was born to Chris and Sarah (Ferch) Vande Berg in Brandon, WI.  He grew up and farmed in Waupun until he married Lorraine M. Helmer on June 2, 1945 at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.  After moving to Beaver Dam, Mel became a co-owner of “Mel and Paulie’s Tavern.”  After the sale of the tavern, he was employed as a sheet metal fabricator with Metalfab from 1950 until his retirement in 1977. 

Mel was an avid gardener, supplying his family and friends with many kinds of produce. In 2012, he had a total of 90 tomato plants, which were his pride and joy.   In 2010, the “Beaver Dam Daily Citizen” ran a front page feature story with his picture of his gardening expertise at the age of 94.  Mel’s hobbies also included baking, especially in the winter months.  He was a member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. 

Mel is survived by his four children: Lorrie (Michael) Zwieg of Beaver Dam, Betty (Paul) Klug, Jerrold (Becky) Vande Berg and Christine Grosshans all of Lake Mills; 13 grandchildren: Arianne Longseth, Thomas (Hippy) Klug, Andy (Leanor) Klug, Ted (Kirstie) Klug, Amanda (Brian) Humann, Brandon, David and Katie Klug, Jay (Kristen) Vande Berg, Jon Vande Berg, Jennifer Vande Berg, Michael Grosshans and Kevin Grosshans; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Sylvia Hermann; his sister-in-law, Hazel Vande Berg; and is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine; four brothers: Kenny, Chris, Clarence and Wilbur; and his sister, Sadie Jones. 

Memorials in Melvin’s name may be directed to his family. 

Koepsell-Murray Funeral and Cremation Services, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Rd., Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com

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