COLUMBUS-Dr. Melvin "Mel" Prantner, DVM, age 76, passed away of dementia on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at The Meadows of Fall River. Dr. Mel was born on October 31, 1946 to Ralph and Myrtle (Alcorn) Prantner in St. Cloud, MN. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Douglas H. Fox and deployed in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea. Dr. Mel graduated from the University of Minnesota where he completed his undergraduate degree and Veterinarian School under the G.I bill. Dr. Mel was married to Christine Wiechmann on May 15, 1971 in St. Paul, MN and together raised four children.
Dr. Mel was a large animal vet for many years before going back to school for a Master's degree in veterinary pathology and going to work for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. He enjoyed running, bird watching and woodworking. Even into his 70s he would run or walk outside every day year-round, no matter the weather. Until his final days he was always ready for a snack. His favorite way to say goodbye, "Be good, guys."
Dr. Mel is survived by his children Andy (Hyun) Prantner of San Francisco CA, Terry Prantner of Sun Prairie WI, Daniel Prantner (Tracy) of Baltimore MD, Becky Prantner of Sun Prairie WI; grandson Sam; two sisters Carol (Mike) Mench of MN, Evelyn (James) Grundhofer of MN; two brothers Edward (Dawn) Prantner of MN, Patrick Prantner of SC; other relatives and friends.
Dr. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; wife Christine; his sister Janet Levasseur.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A special thank you to Hillside Hospice and the Meadows of Fall River.
We encourage you to share your online condolences with Mel's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com