Melvin C Smith

" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;Melvin Cyril Smith was born on May 14, 1928, in Kenosha, WI, to Malvern and Vera (nee Olsson) Smith. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism at St. Lukes Lutheran Church, Kenosha. He graduated from Northwestern College, Watertown, WI, in 1951 and continued his studies for the pastoral ministry at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Thiensville, WI, graduating in 1954. He and Lillian May Rohloff of St. Louis, MO, were united in marriage on Sept. 5, 1953, at Friedens Lutheran Church, Kenosha.

In his 40 years of ministry he shepherded congregations in Cambria, WI (Zion Lutheran, 1954-59); Mequon, WI (Trinity Lutheran-West Mequon, 1960-69); and La Crescent, MN (First Lutheran, 1969-95). He served as vacancy pastor at churches in Hokah, rural La Crescent, and Pickwick, MN. In retirement he continued to be active in the ministry as a vacancy pastor in Galesville and Holmen, Mauston and New Lisbon, WI, and Summerville, SC. He also served St. Michaels Lutheran Home (The Lutheran Home), Fountain City, WI, as part-time chaplain for more than four years.

In his private life he enjoyed traveling the US, fishing in the Wisconsin north woods and on the Mississippi, reading about Civil War history and visiting Civil War battlefields. He served on the board of directors and was active in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), La Crosse County, for 25 years. He also belonged to the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) and the Parkinsons Support Group.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian of West Salem; sons Richard, David, and Thomas (Kristen); a daughter Janet (Alan) Holm; five grandchildren: Brian, Jennifer, and Laura Holm; Katrina and Martin Smith; brothers Rodger and Ramon; one sister Lois (Gerald) Schuelke; cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his parents and by brothers Neil Smith and Thomas Smith.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Lakeview Health Center for their loving care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 21thstth, one hour prior to a Service of Christian Funeral at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse, officiated by Pastor Robert Wassermann. Interment will be at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park in Kenosha, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22thnd. thMemorials are suggested to Mount Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church or the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, La Crosse County, Box 595, La Crosse, WI 54602.