Leroy W. Mellendorf (88) of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, formerly of Effingham

Leroy Walter Mellendorf, 88, son of Albert and Louise (Traub) Mellendorf (Louisville, IL), went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 5:20 p.m. at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Viewing will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church Louisville, IL (County Line Rd) on Saturday, February 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. with the funeral and interment in the church cemetery following. Military rites will be conducted. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Memorials can be made to Worship Anew (formally Worship for Shut-ins), Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon or St John’s Lutheran Church (Effingham, IL) Food Pantry.

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Leroy’s birth on January 2, 1930 brought incredible excitement to the Mellendorf clan as he was named the “New Year Baby” of Effingham County. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Effingham High School in 1948. He was drafted into the Army from 1950-1953 and served in Korea. Upon returning from his time in service mutual friends brought Leroy and Natalie Brix (Decatur, IL) to a picnic where they met. They were married in July of 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur and celebrated their 61st anniversary this past year. Leroy and Natalie moved to Marengo, IL in 1959 when Leroy began working for and eventually retiring from McHenry FS. While in Marengo, they began their family with two children, Susan Dippold (Jeff – Ocracoke Island, NC) and Craig Mellendorf (Tina – Thiensville, WI). They all attended Zion Lutheran Church where Leroy spent time as an Elder and Properties Chairperson with additional responsibilities during the building of Zion’s new church. Besides a loving and supportive husband and an example as a dad he was also a very proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren (Emily, Eric, Hallie, Celia), two great grandchildren (Ezekiel & Henry) and 2 grandchildren by marriage (Chloe & Olivia) as well as an Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Leroy enjoyed traveling (earning numerous trips to various locations around the U.S. and Mexico with McHenry FS), camping with family, playing golf and either coaching or watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Leroy is also survived by his sister, Jeri (Delbert) Mundt and preceded in death by brothers, Eugene, Harlan, Ardon and sisters, Alberta (Marvin) Garbe and Violet (Hobert) Roberts.of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL.