Logan W. Mellendorf

Logan W. Mellendorf, 90 of Louisville died early in the morning on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Helia Healthcare of Newton.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 22, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Louisville with Rev. Emmett Bartens officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Union Cemetery, Altamont with military rites. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or the donor's choice. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Logan was born at home on Friday, December 21, 1934 in rural Louisville to William and Mary (Bergmann) Mellendorf. As the only son in his family, he started assisting on the family farm at a young age. He began attending high school in 1949, but had to suspend his education after just three weeks due to his father's health issues. He became a full-time farmer at fourteen and continued until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953. His two-year enlistment took him to Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Gordon.
He started donating blood on a regular basis as a soldier because that gave the donor several hours' off on donation day. He continued to be a regular donor until his cancer diagnosis. Over his lifetime, he donated 18 gallons of blood. He also influenced many people to begin donating on a regular basis.
He made friends with other soldiers from Indiana to the West Coast. The friendships forged in those two years lasted for the remainder of his days. He took several trips across the country to catch up with his Army buddies. He was a proud veteran and told many stories to his children of his time in the military. Upon his return to Illinois, he resumed the responsibility for the family farm.
Logan married Vera L. Priess on March 12, 1961 at the First United Methodist Church, Altamont and they raised four children together while also running both of their family farms at rural Louisville and rural Altamont. He was employed by S&V Stone Quarry, Mode, for several years and also worked for the Lucas Township Road Commissioner as needed. He served as Lucas Township Drainage District Board for numerous years.
In 1967, he decided to complete his education and began attending GED classes. He was worried he would be the oldest student, but ended up being the youngest. Many of the women in the class were not able to drive, so he chauffeured all the older women to the evening sessions. After achieving his diploma, he continued to want to learn for the rest of his life and spent many evenings reading the encyclopedia.
He was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Louisville for most of his life. He was baptized on January 20, 1935 and was confirmed on April 10, 1949. He held several offices in the church over the years.
Logan enjoyed talking to people he knew along with complete strangers. He loved a good story and he loved to laugh. He cared deeply for his family and expressed his love by action, not words. He was the first to offer to help in any situation. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren by his example.
Logan was an active farmer for over 70 years and would almost always be wearing a ballcap and have a pliers in his pocket ready to go. His favorite things besides his farm and his family were Dr Pepper, ice cream, and watching westerns.
He is survived by: his wife of over 64 years, Vera L. Mellendorf of Louisville; sons, John (Cathy) Mellendorf, of Altamont and James 'Jim' (Marilyn) Mellendorf of Altamont; daughters, Linda (Rick) Ludwig of Wheeler and Nancy (Darren) Budde of Altamont; sister, Karen Kearney of Mattoon; brother-in-law, Garold Stuckemeyer of Altamont; 6 grandchildren, Bridgette (Eric) Ludwig-Colvin, Jacob Ludwig, Nathan Budde, Darrel Mellendorf, Beccah Ludwig, and Derick Budde along with 6 step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Logan was preceded in death by: his parents and his sisters, Ruth Groth and Marlene Stuckemeyer, along with brothers-in-law Ed Groth and Dale Kearney and sister-in-law Norma Tipsword.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.