Merle Leroy Mellen

Merle Leroy Mellen, 79, of Freeport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at his son's home in Haskins, Ohio. He was born Oct. 16, 1937 in Freeport to Arnold and Frances (Phillips) Mellen. He married Sandra Jean Munz on March 18, 1961. He served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963, while stationed in France. Honorably discharged, he returned home to his wife and resumed working at Modern Plating Corporation until his retirement in 1999. He was a life-long democrat and was instrumental in organizing a union where he worked. For 44 years, the company provided a modest living, but it was never his life: His life was his family. In 1971, Merle and Sandy, moved to their country property to raise their children, Daniel and Jessica. Merle worked long, hard hours, yet he always had time to play with his children. He made life fun as his interests included playing basketball, running, weight-lifting, watching the Olympics, singing, drawing, and woodcarving. In retirement, he took up painting and enjoyed it immensely. He loved all animals but especially dogs. It was Merle's sensitivity, warmth, creative spirit, determination, limitless energy, honesty and devotion to his family that made him a beloved husband and father. He provided wonderful childhoods for his children as he modeled both strength and gentleness. His children are forever grateful. After raising his children, he was blessed with five grandchildren to do it all over again, but this time as Grandpa. He was a hands-on grandfather who never hesitated in caring for and playing with his grandchildren. He was amazing as he made the ordinary- extraordinary. His grandchildren are forever grateful. Merle's legacy is his love for his family. He lives on in each and every one of them. He will always be loved, remembered, and missed beyond words. Along with his wife, Sandra, Merle is survived by his son, Daniel (Shari Schmitt) Mellen of Haskins, Ohio; daughter, Jessica (James) Polsean of Freeport; his five beloved grandchildren, Ross Mellen, Katelin (Peter) Rische, Paige Mellen, Cory (Kaylie) Polsean, and Brooke Mellen; two great-granddaughters, Lillie and Heidi Rische; his siblings, Arnold Mellen and Fay Hartman; and his beloved dog, Olivia. Along with his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley (Mellen) Wienk, half-sister, Mary (Terry) Kasch, half-brother, Orlan Phillips, and half-brother, Joseph Guerian. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday 11, 2017 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded, and in a private ceremony on Sunday, the family will lay their loved one to rest at their family home of 46 years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Stephenson County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Grace Hospice in Toledo, Ohio. Online condolences can be left on Merle's memorial tribute at www.burketubbs.com.