Merlin Mellor

Merlin John Mellor, age 90, of Platteville, WI, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014, at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dodgeville, where he resided since June 2011. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Platteville, with the Rev. Jim Murphy officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 10 at the Melby Funeral Home in Platteville. There will be a scripture service and Knights of Columbus rosary at 3:45 p.m. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Merlin was born on December 27, 1923, on the family farm in Lima Township, Platteville, the son of John and Viola (Wagner) Mellor. He attended Hake country grade school and served as president of Livingston High School Class of 1941. After graduating, he continued farming with his parents. Merlin married Darlene Fillbach on April 17, 1945, at St. Philip's Church, Highland, WI.

Merlin had a respect for nature and love of the land, which is evident in his many successful years of farming and raising livestock. He and Darlene began their married life on his family farm, later purchasing it in 1959. Merlin served as a 4-H leader for many years and was President of the Grant County 4-H Leaders' Association. In 1980, they sold their farm and moved into Platteville. In 1986, they accepted the Century Farm Award for continuous ownership by the Mellor/Wagner family for over 125 years.

He was an active member of St. Mary, Platteville, and the Southwest Vocation's Club. He served on the parish council, and acted as an usher, RCIA sponsor, member of CRHP and the long-range planning committee. He was an honorary life member of both the Knights of Columbus Council 1386 and the KC Monsignor Gray 4th Degree Assembly 2424.

After retiring from farming, Merlin worked part-time as an accountant at Harvey's Motors. He became very active in the community and served three terms on the Platteville Common Council (1984-1991), including President, and served on several committees and commissions. He enjoyed being with his family, playing euchre and bridge, gardening and tending to his yard, square dancing and traveling. He is fondly remembered for his great sense of humor and generosity to family, friends, and neighbors.

Merlin was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. Survivors include: daughters Linda (Jerry) Thomas of Davenport, IA; Darla (Ray) Banfi of Platteville, WI, and Rhonda Mellor (Nicolas Griffon) of Bettendorf, IA; and daughter-in-law Frances (DeNooyer) Mellor of Avon Park, FL. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren: Nickole, Melissa, Christopher, and John Roger (Denise) Mellor; Brenton (Suzanne) Thomas and Ryan Thomas (fiancée Liz Bobis); Jason Banfi and Katelyn Banfi; Dan Borcherding, Elizabeth (Bill) O'Connor, and Nick Borcherding (Kirsten Karkow); and 15 great-grandchildren: James, Ashley, Joseph Roger, Logan and Cheyanne Anderson; Savannah, McKayla, and Alexandria Kittle and Tyler Garcia; McKenzie Mellor; and Christopher, Aidan, Julianne, Mara, and Henry Thomas. He is also survived by a sister Ilah Harvey of Platteville, WI, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bernard and Vivi (Lund) Fillback of Portland, OR, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: Darlene (Fillbach) Mellor, his wife of 67 years, on September 20, 2012; his parents Viola and John Mellor; twin infant sons prior to their births; son John Roger Mellor on March 17, 1995; great-grandson Eli Thomas, and great-grandchildren Sam, Owen, Quinn, and Jack Thomas who died prior to their births; brothers Donald Mellor and his wife, Helen, and Lyle Mellor and his wife, Margaret; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janelle and Jefferson Manning; and brother-in-law William Harvey.

The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Merlin J. Mellor Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.