Obit: Spath, Melvin William (1949 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Buckendahl, Gonnering, Kleist, Russow, Spath, Wiese

----Source: WIGM/WKEB Obituaries (Medford, WI) 3/07/2017

Spath, Melvin William (23 NOV 1949 - 4 MAR 2017)

Melvin William Spath, 67, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle against Leukemia.

Melvin was born November 23, 1949 in Fremont, Nebraska to Warren and Arlene (Buckendahl) Spath.

He is survived by his siblings: Shirley (Leon) Gonnering of Marshfield, twin brother Merlin Spath of Mt. Vernon, IL, Lynn (Glenda Wiese) Spath of Medford, his Children: Jason, Jody and Daniel, 4 Grandchildren, Special Friends Barb and David Kleist of Eau Claire.

Melvin is preceded in death by his Parents, and Grandparents: Clarence and Lorena Spath, William and Mary Buckendahl.

Melvin attended Lawndale and Liberty Elementary Schools, and was a 1968 graduate from Medford Area Sr. High. After graduation Melvin moved to Eau Claire, and made it his home.

His career included driving semi-truck over the road for various companies. Throughout his career, he drove all 48 states of the continental US. He retired from Menards Distribution due to ill health.

Melvin had many passions in his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding horses and camping. He loved building and designing unique birdhouses, and was a talented wood-craftsman. He enjoyed giving the birdhouses he built as gifts to family and friends. He also has a green thumb for growing beautiful flowers and vegetables from seeds. He took great pride in his beautiful floral beds. He also was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.

Funeral services for Melvin will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel. Rev. Richard Russow will officiate. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Stetsonville.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 PM.

Melvin’s family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers, nurses and doctors, especially Nurses Julie Ann and Jill, and Dr. Muslim at Sacred Heart Hospital and Syversen Lutheran Home, both of Eau Claire.

Melvin will be truly missed by his family, and his beloved cat Papa, who was his best friend and closest companion. In honor of Melvin’s love for his cat Papa, memorial donations can be given to any animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservices.com.