Melvin W. Stache
Melvin William Stache, age 89, of Chilton died on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Libby’s House Assisted Living in Chilton. He was born on August 12, 1927, son of the late Herman and Norma (Popp) Stache.
Melvin’s father passed away when he was a little boy and his mother raised him and his brothers alone until the boys each went to live with a different family. Melvin went to live with Albert and Laurianne Hanke and helped work on their farm. The farm work was so demanding that he was pulled out of boot camp for the Marine Corps to return home to continue working.
On October 25, 1958, Melvin married Juliann Rusch; they had known each other their entire lives and even lived nearby one another growing up. Together they had five children. Melvin had a deep love and total devotion for his family. His children say he would do absolutely anything for them, especially if it involved fixing things. Melvin was a bit of a handyman and loved tinkering with things to see how they worked and to see if he could get them to work again. With such a passion for helping those he loved, it broke his heart when he couldn’t get something fixed for one of his children or grandchildren.
Melvin’s family remembers him as a quiet man that liked to play cards and spend time outdoors. Occasionally, Juliann would ask him why he didn’t say much and Melvin would tell her, “Somebody’s gotta listen; we can’t all talk.” Melvin loved playing Sheepshead, as well as hunting, fishing, and camping. He even found time to volunteer on the Potter Volunteer Fire Department.
Melvin was a member at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Rantoul and he was greatly devoted to his church, spending over 30 years in the men’s and mixed choirs as a tenor. His family remembers that he always loved to sing and he was singing along to music until the very end.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Juliann; his children: Lois (John) Prust, Lloyd (Laurie) Stache, Lori (Robert) Biese, Lee (Tambrea) Stache, and Linda Stache (special friend, Keith); his grandchildren: Michaela Prust, Amber Biese, Allison Biese, Anthony Biese, Michelle (Jeremy) Wick, and Jami-Jo (Matthew) Goodman; great-grandchildren: Nevaeh Stache, Ryleigh Wick, and Elise Wick; his brother, Alfred Stache, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Stache.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Norma Stache; his brothers: Harold Stache and Allen Stache; a grandson, Austin Biese; and a sister-in-law, Verna Stache.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Rantoul (N6080 W River Rd.) on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 with the Reverend Patrick Niles officiating. Burial will be at the Trinity Lutheran Parish Cemetery next to the church following the service. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 am to 11:15 am on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Melvin’s family would like to thank the caregivers of Heartland Hospice and Libby’s House for all of the loving care that they have given to both Melvin and his entire family. They would also like to thank Pastor Niles for the many prayers and pastoral visits which provided strength and consolation during these last years.