Leon Mellem

Leon Mellem, 87, of Viroqua, died Sunday, July 1, 2018. Leon P. Mellem, 87, of Viroqua, died Sunday, July 1st, 2018, at the Bethel Home, Viroqua. Leon was born on April 28, 1931, to Clarence and Irene (Mossholder) Mellem in Bloomingdale. He grew up in the Brush Hollow area and graduated from Viroqua High School in 1949. He enlisted in the Army in 1951 serving to 1953. His service included active duty in the Korean Conflict. He was very proud of his service to country, including his participation in the Military Honor Guard at local veteran funerals. Leon married Ilene Olson in 1955. They lived in the Liberty and Salem Ridge areas. They divorced in 1978. Leon married Marlene (Zitzner) Evans in 1980. He worked for many years at Nelson Muffler, Viroqua, before retiring in 1993. He was a President and Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Viroqua. In retirement Leon and Marlene delivered Meals on Wheels to local residents for several years. He also enjoyed visits with family, reading, completing woodworking projects, spending quality time with his cousin Larry, and watering flowers. Leon is survived by five children: Craig (Sue) Mellem, Janesville, Bryan Mellem, Black River Falls, Dana (David) Westedt, Reedsburg, Curt (Nancy) Mellem, Soldiers Grove, and Robin Hooker, Hillsboro; four step-children: Mike (Lois) Knutson, Onalaska, Carolyn (Kevin) Parr, Viroqua, Becky (Wayne) Nedland, Viroqua, Elizabeth Evans, Westby. Leon is also survived by a sister, Karen (Conrad) McGarry, Nekoosa, plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of almost 33 years, Marlene, a sister Pat and brother-in-law Harold Jones, a brother-in-law LaMonte Knutson, a brother Mike and sister-in-law Terry, the mother of his children, Ilene Mellem, a son, Kenneth Gene, brothers-in-law, Kenneth, LaVerne, Orbin, Gaylord, and Leland Zitzner, sister-in-law, Charlotte Olson, and their spouses. A special thanks to the caregivers at the Bethel Home, Bethel Parkside, LaFarge, and Maplewood Senior Apartments for making Leon a part of their extended family and for providing him with excellent care and compassion during his time with them. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home (123 W Decker / Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Friends may call from 10am till the time of service. Family burial of both Leon and Marlene Mellems ashes at Liberty Pole Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be served at the Eagles Club, Viroqua after the burial. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to: the VFW, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, WDRT Radio Station, or the Bethel Home, all of Viroqua. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.