Torwelle, Melvin 'Mel' 1931-2006

TORWELLE, WILLEMSTYN, REID

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2013 at 20:13:33

Melvin "Mel" Torwelle
Born June 27, 1931, Ireton, IA.
Died: October 15, 2006, Sioux City, Ia.,
Service: October 18, 2006, . Paul's Lutheran Church, Ireton, IA

Ireton, IA - Melvin "Mel" Torwelle, 75, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2006 at a Sioux City Hospital. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ireton. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Ireton.

Melvin Dean Torwelle was born June 27, 1931 to Carl and Clara (Wilemstyn) Torwelle in Ireton, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Mel was raised in Ireton and graduated from Ireton High School.

Mel was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Reid on June 17,1952 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Together they resided in Ireton until February 11, 1953 when Mel entered the U.S. Army where he served as a Sergeant during the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged December 1, 1954.

In 1957 Mel and Marilyn moved to southern California where he worked for Douglas Aircraft and Rocketdyne. In 1967, they moved back to Ireton where Mel drove bulk truck for Jack's Feed Store for 26 years until his retirement. Mel enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years as an exceptional pitcher. He also enjoyed gardening, watching the Chicago Cubs and especially spending time with his family.

Mel is survive by his wife, Marilyn; daughters: Dawn (Craig) Bauer of Sioux Center, IA and
Valerie (Dan) Vande Griend of Alton, IA; 3 grandchildren: Travis (Tricia) Bauer, Cody Bauer all of Sioux Center and Todd Vande Griend of Alton; one great-grandson, Kade Bauer; 2 sisters: Helen Plueger of Brunsville, IA and Janice Torwelle of Sioux City.

Source: Porter Funeral Home, Ireton, IA., obit.