Melvin Treakle

Melvin J. Treakle Born 9/27/1925 in Cornell, WI, passed away peacefully on 3/28/2007 surrounded by his family. Mel grew up in Park Falls, Wisconsin, came to Tacoma in 1942, joined the army and served his country in World War II. He spent time during the war in France, Belgium, and the Philippines. After his discharge, he stayed on in the Philippines and returned to Tacoma by way of the merchant marines in 1945. Mel met and then married Irene Peterson on November 1, 1947. In the late 40s and early 50s, Mel worked in several jobs at lumber mills and shipyards, and was instrumental in starting the Humane Society of Tacoma Pierce County. He was mill superintendent at Ross Lumber Company in Tacoma for 10 years, and in 1967 he went to work for Lundgren Dealers' Supply, from which he retired as sales manager in 1988. Throughout his life, he loved music and dancing, and he called and taught square and round dancing for many years. After retirement, Mel and Irene traveled frequently, taking many trips around the US, and especially enjoyed Lincoln City, OR. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Irene, brothers Chuck and Tom, a sister, Vi Tuura, and his children, Kandy (Mike Osmon), Karen (Philip Hofmann), Kay (Bruce Hoeft), and John (Vicki Treakle), and five grandchildren: Nathan, Justin, Alie, Ashlee, and Hanna. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 2, at Celebration of Life Center, Aspen Chapel, at Mountain View Funeral Home.