Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed from this life and into the loving hands of our Lord on April 6, 2023. He is survived by 8 children: Pam (Don) Blomquist, Laura (Peter) Colton, Jackie (Doug) Moe, Linda (Bill) Schoettle, Amy (Rob) Larsen, Richard Franzwa, Ken (Angela) Franzwa, and David (Jenny) Franzwa. He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, his brother Gene, and many friends — especially those from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights and the Inver Glen Senior Community, where he’s lived since 2017.
Mel was born on Valentine’s Day, 1932 in St. Paul. He graduated from St. Agnes High School and then served his country in the Korean War as a Sergeant First Class in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.
Following his military service, Mel attended the University of St. Thomas where he majored in chemistry. He then began a rewarding 34-year career at Economics Laboratories (EL) where he started as a chemist, worked in new product development, supported the sales team, and retired as Director of Marketing.
He met Audrey Hoople in December of 1959 at EL’s company Christmas party, where she worked as a secretary and typist. They were married on October 1, 1960. Together, they bought a house in Inver Grove Heights and raised their children. They were lifelong members of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Community where Mel served on the parish council and helped establish Neighbors, Inc. in 1972, a food shelf serving Dakota County. Mel continued to support Neighbors, Inc. throughout his career and retirement, volunteering with them for more than 40 years.
Mel loved music, especially patriotic tunes and polkas. He learned to play the accordion as a young man and often played at family gatherings where he also showcased his famous “Mel’s Chili.”
Mel will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his loving caregivers at Inver Glen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights on Saturday, April 15 at noon with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow. The family will then have a private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Neighbors, Inc. or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.