Died Monday December 17, 2018 at home.
Mel was born March 14, 1926 near Leigh, Nebraska to Herman and Anna 'Menke' Schwanke. He grew up on a farm south of Leigh. The family lived in Columbus, Scribner and finally moved to Fremont when Mel was 9 years old. He attended Trinity Lutheran School and graduated from Fremont High School in 1943. After high school Mel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1944 until 1946. On June 12, 1945 Mel was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. He returned to Fremont after his military service and on May 12, 1948 he married JoEllen 'Joey' Green. Mel joined Greens Greenhouse Inc., owned by the Green family since 1896.
Mel was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 83 years. He was very active in the floral industry both at the national and local level holding many positions including National President of the Society of American Florists for two years and was an executive of the Nebraska Florist Society for 45 years. Mel is also in the Society of American Florist Hall of Fame. Locally, Mel was past President and member of the Fremont Public Schools Board of Education, he was building chairman of the current Trinity Church. He was a member and past president of the Fremont Kiwanis Club, member of the VFW Post 854, American Legion Post 20, Marine Corps League Fremont Detachment #1275, SAF and AIFD.
Survivors:
Wife Joey of Fremont
Children Jo (Andre) Heinz Staffelbach of Dallas, TX.
Cindy (Mac) Gilfry McKown of Fremont
J (Kelly) Schwanke of Grand Rapids
4 Grandchildren Jeremy (Jamie) Gilfry of Omaha and their children, Joey, Jackson, Lillian and Lidia
Jon (Dawn) Gilfry of Fremont and their children Emerson and Adler
Madison of Steamboat Springs, CO.
Blayre of Omaha
Sister-in-law Lorraine Schwanke of Fremont
Faithful care giver Tricia Wyman of Fremont
Many nieces and nephews.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister and daughter-in-law Lori Schwanke.
The funeral will be 1pm Friday, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, the Revs. Dan Heuer and Anthony Gerber will officiate. Burial with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps and Fremont Honor Guard (VFW Post 854 & American Legion Post 20) will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, from 3pm to 7pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church and School.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(17)
curtis pawl
Fort Mill, SC Saturday, December 29, 2018 Marna and I want to send our deepest sympathy to the Schwanke family. Our thoughts and prayers to your family. Mel was my first friend when we arrived in Fremont. I enjoyed the time we spent together at church, Kiwanis, and the Chamber. A very respected man of Fremont.David Probst
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 26, 2018 Cindy and Mac and family. I just read about the passing of Mel. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this holiday season.Adrienne Herbert
Worthington MN, TX Saturday, December 22, 2018 Joey and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I have wonderful memories of his attending my painting class with you, Joey. What a wonderful man.I am thinking of you and send my love.
Adrienne
David Martin
Fremont, NE Thursday, December 20, 2018 Joey, Cindy and J, I am so sorry to hear of Mel's passing, I was just thinking of him a few days ago! What a great man who was admired by many. He will be greatly missed and leaves behind a hole that cannot be filled. I learned a good hard work ethic from him and I respected him a great deal. RIP Mel!Bob Heffernan
Waitsfield, VT Thursday, December 20, 2018 What a fantastic life Mel has lived. The most gracious man full of color and uniqueness. Many fond memories of him and Joey and J. Thinking of you all. Bob and Allen. Former executive director of Connecticut Florists AssociationTed Schuldt
Thousand Oaks, CA Thursday, December 20, 2018 My sympathies to JoEllen and the Schwanke family. Mel, Joey, and the Greens were great people to work for during 1954-55 summers and holidays while I was a high school student.Steven Hively
Greenville, PA Thursday, December 20, 2018 Mel was an incredible citizen with a lifetime of service to his nation, the floral industry at local, state and national levels and his community. Dedicated to his family, he and his wife were always there to help in so many ways. The world is a better place because Melvin Schwanke lived. His passing is a loss for Fremont and many miles beyond. Rest in Peace.Mike Reilly
, TX Thursday, December 20, 2018 Cindy Joey, Jeremy,JonMy sincere condolences to you and your families on Mel's passing
I will always remember what what Mel and Joey did for my family
Mike
Sandy Swanson Becker
Littleton, CO Thursday, December 20, 2018 J. and Schwanke family, I just found out about the passing of your father. You have my deepest sympathy and love. My mother, Dorothy Swanson, adored your family. You all were such a part of my family's life!! Peace and love I send to you.Keith Jansen
Valley, NE Wednesday, December 19, 2018 My deepest sympathy is extended to all the Schwanke family and appreciation for all Mel has done in the floral industry. He worked hard in his profession, in his church, and in his community. "Rest Eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon him." With love and prayers, KeithRANDALL L WAGNER
FREMONT, NE Wednesday, December 19, 2018 To Jo and the Schwanke family; Linda and I offer our sincere condolences to you all.Mel was a wonderful individual, great family man, and community leader. We look forward to seeing you all and help celebrate his life of service to his country, family, church, and community.
Sincerely, Randy and Linda Wagner.
Jason House
Fremont, NE Tuesday, December 18, 2018 On behalf of the Fremont Area Marine Corps League, our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Rest In Peace my brother and Semper FidelisSteven Barton
Omaha, NE Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Prayers to all of you. I have so many good memories of Mel. May he rest in peace. Steven BartonLoren D Rosenberry Sr
DeForest, WI Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Cousin Melvin, I just learn of you leaving us. You will be missed, Loren.Gene and Judy Pearson
Cedar Bluffs, NE Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Dear Cindy, Mac and family,Our deepest sympathies to you at the loss of your father. He was a very wonderful man. God give you comfort and peace.
Linda Ayala
Ipswich, MA Monday, December 17, 2018 Dear J and family,My heart is with you at this time of great loss. May all the years of love and laughter remain in your hearts in your time off sorrow.
Steve and June Westphal
Fremont, NE Monday, December 17, 2018 Cindy, Mack and the Schwanke family. We are so sorry to read about Mel. Your family are in our thoughts and prayer. Cherish the memories.