Melvin Lee Melander

Melvin (Mickey) Lee Melander, of Fairbury, NE, passed away peacefully at Gardenside LTC March 4, 2025, at the age of 92. He was the oldest of 5 children, born in Fairbury, November 24, 1932, to Melvin and Valda Melander. He was raised in Endicott, NE where he attended Endicott High School. He left school to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served four years. He married Sharon Brown, and they had 5 children. He worked at Roode's Packing plant as a foreman on the kill floor until 1973, when an accident disabled him.
Melvin enjoyed bowling, golf, and playing cards; he loved listening to the Royals and the Chiefs and was a Big Husker Fan. He enjoyed all sports. He loved babysitting his grandchildren and going to their sporting events and graduations. Later in life he enjoyed swimming and water aerobics.
He lived the last 5 ½ years at Gardenside in Fairbury, where he became friends and loved his caretakers. And made sure all residents knew the "Doors are Open" for the dining room.
Melvin is survived by his brother Danne Melander of Des Moines, IA, sister Carol Kujath of Beatrice, NE, 5 children; Tim (Karla) Melander of Farmersville, TX, Vicki (Gilbert buddy) Maschmeier of Columbus, NE, Bradley Jay (Diane) Melander of Beaufort, SC, Debra (Ron) Smith of Lincoln, NE, Jodi (Marc) Dewey of Beatrice, NE, 10 grandchildren; Jeremy Melander, Ryan Melander, Eric Maschmeier, Erin Spragg, Tyson Maschmeier, Melissa Smith, Travis Smith, Stephan Smith, Tanner Dewey and Jacob Dewey, 12 great-grandchildren; Karalyn, Lilian and Marley Melander, Mason Ulmer, Landyn, Trevor and Paityn Maschmeier, Devin, Wyatt, and Madden Spragg, Hailey and Ramon Marolf and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by his parents and brother David Melander, brother-in-law Dale Kujath, sister-in-law Cheryl Melander, sister and brother-in-law Sharee and Derald McAtee, nephews Nick and Randy McAtee, Perry Kujath and Zachary Mcpheron.
Services will be Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Fairbury Cemetery. There will be a lunch served at the Mattress Factory in Endicott after the Graveside service. The family will greet friends Tuesday evening March 11th from 6 – 8 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. Gerder-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com