Melvin M. Klebenow

Melvin M. Klebenow, 88, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.

Melvin was born July 14, 1935, in Merrill, son of the late Eldor and Alvera (Sturm) Klebenow. He married Joyce Bade on September 24, 1960, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Melvin and Joyce were dairy farmers in the town of Corning for over thirty-five years on the farm that had been in the family since 1876. Melvin took a job with Merrill Iron and Steel after they sold the farm in 1997. Melvin loved being a tour guide at the family’s syrup shack, where making maple syrup is a family tradition that was started by Melvin’s father. He also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, playing cards with the same group of friends since 1960, deer hunting, going to a Friday fish fry, taking a daily drive around his neighborhood and spending time with his family and friends. Melvin and Joyce loved to travel, and went on many trips to Germany, Switzerland, Cancún, and Alaska.

Melvin is survived by his daughters, Rhonda (John) Heisler of Illinois, and Renee (Daniel) Kolehouse of Merrill; sons, Brian (Marlys) Klebenow and Keith (Sara) Klebenow both of Merrill; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ethel Natzke and Darleen Klebenow Kniess; and brothers-in-law, Harvey (Ardell) Bade and Roger (Darlene) Bade. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Klebenow; parents, Eldor and Alvera Klebenow; siblings, Eldina (Henry) Kienbaum and Kenneth Klebenow; and brother-in-law, Harold Natzke.

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 22, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin. Rev. Andrew DeGier will officiate. The burial will take place in Trinity Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home and again on Friday, December 22, 2023, after 10:00 A.M. at the church.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Bell Tower and St. Croix Hospice for the care that Melvin received.

Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com