Melohn, Fred A. (1926-2003)

MELOHN, PATTEN, MERRY, STIEF

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 1/23/2010 at 13:34:34

Fred A. Melohn - June 19, 1926 - Aug. 15, 2003

Fred A. Melohn, age 77, of Newell, Iowa, died Friday, August 15, 2003, in the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Fred Andrew Melohn was born on June 19, 1926, to Luther and Velora (Patten) Melohn at Fonda, Iowa. He was enrolled as an infant in the Sunday School Cradle Roll at the Congregational Community Church in Fonda, the same church where he was baptized and confirmed. Fred lived with his parents as a child on their farm near Fonda and attended rural school in Pocahontas County and Fonda County School before graduating from Newell Consolidated High School in 1943.

Fred entered the Navy on March 3, 1945, and proudly served his country as a Yeoman Third Class during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Camel during the Okinawa campaign before being honorably discharged on July 30, 1946.

On June 6, 1948, Fred was married to Billie Ann Merry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Albert City, a union that lasted over 55 years. Fred and Billie were blessed with three sons, Craig Andrew, Bruce Wayne and Michael William. Fred spent his life farming and was a seed corn manager for 30 years before he retired in 1998.

Fred was a devoted husband and father, and his family always came first on the long list of activities he liked to pursue. The births of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were special memories that he held dear. He felt honored when his granddaughter Stacy was born on his own birthday.

Fred served his community and his church in many capacities during his life, including Boy Scout Leader and moderator and deacon at his church.

As an avid basketball fan, Fred attended all the games he could squeeze into his busy schedule, but he especially enjoyed watching his own grandkids play in sports and made a point to be in attendance at all their activities.

Flying held a great fascination for Fred, and he earned his private pilot’s license so he could soar through the skies. He also delighted in traveling and camping and had visited all over the United States and abroad. He particularly reveled in his trips to Spain, Switzerland and Mexico.

Fred was a 50-year member of Legion Post #193, and also belonged to the V.F. W. He was a member of the Masonic Royal Lodge #428 where he served as Worshipful Master in 1968, as well as a member of the Abu Bekr Shrine in Sioux City and Order of Eastern Star.

Fred liked to keep busy and filled his time with many pastimes he enjoyed among them fishing, hunting, motorcycles, restoring antique cars, collecting replica motor cars. He also had some wonderful memories of dancing outings.

Fred Melohn is survived by his wife Billie, and sons Craig Melohn and wife Cori and Bruce Melohn and wife Cindy, all of Newell; grandchildren Justin Melohn, Stacy Melohn Stief, Mitch Melohn and Melissa Melohn; great-grandchildren Michael Daniel Melohn, Andrew Thomas Melohn and Jordon Skylor Stief.

Mr. Melohn was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, his brother David and his sister-in-law, Bernice Melohn.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Monday anytime after 3:00 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell, where the family will be present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00.

Copyright © 2003, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

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