Monroe Martin Melzer

Monroe Martin Melzer, 87 of Danville, passed away on Thursday December 8, 2016 at Carle Hospital with family by his side. Monroe was born on July 2, 1929 the son of Rudolph and Marie (Heilcher) Melzer. He married the love of his life, Helen Pile, on May 16, 1953. She survives. Also surviving Monroe are his one daughter, Monroetta Marie (David) Gutterridge; son in law, Paul Tevebaugh; grandsons, Kyle David and Clayton Monroe Gutterridge; two sisters, BettyJane Waterman of Carchmichaels, PA and Rudolphine Pranske of Las Vegas, NV; three sister-in-law, Marian Melzer of Springfield, IL, LaVerne Melzer of Champaign, IL, and Eileen Hoffman of Taylorville, IL; one brother-in-law, Bill Pile of Idaho. Monroe was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Myra J. Tevebaugh, brothers Oscar, Gus, Rudolph, Jr., sister Ramona Leitschult, and three nieces. The family of Monroe Melzer would like to say a special thank you to all the staff at the Danville VA, Resicare and Caregivers, Debbi Tevebaugh and Asia Webb. Monroe graduated from Taylorville High School in 1947 then started working in the coal mines then headed off to the United States Army. While proudly serving the United States Army in Korea he was a mechanic attached to the 1st Marine Division. He was proud to be awarded three Bronze Stars and a Meritorious Service Metal. When he returned, he was back working in the coal mines. Monroe then went to work as a Grocery Store Manager, most of his working life in Taylorville, Decatur, Urbana, Matoon and Danville. He was a family man first who loved to watch his grandsons playing sports or just spending time with them. He loved to be out on the water in one of his five boats that he skippered during his life. He and Helen traveled to the Ozarks, where he learned to ski as a younger man, they also enjoyed many cruises and traveling to Branson. He loved swimming and was a life guard as a young man in Taylorville saving several lifes. Monroe was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was also a member of GAO Grotto and the Masonic Anchor Lodge 980 where he was a 32nd degree Mason. He was also a member of the Ansar Shrine and a charter member of the Cornbelt Shrine Cycle Patrol out of Mattoon. He enjoyed riding the motorcycles in the parade. Monroe also was a member of Danville American Legion Post 210, Danville VFW, Korean War Vets, and the Eastern Star, Danville Chapter. He was the best Husband and Daddy a wife and two little girls could have ever hoped for and a proud Grandpa. A celebration of Monroe's life will be held Monday, December 12, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion, Danville. Rev. Anne Schwartz will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 2-4 PM at the funeral home as well as an hour prior to services on Monday from 12-1 PM. Masonic rites will be held Sunday, December 11, 2016 after visitation at 4:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in Monroe's name to the donor's choice. Please join Monroe's family in sharing memories, pictures, and video on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Dec 11, 2016 Sunday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Dec 12, 2016 Monday, 1:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Final Resting Place Danville National Cemetery 1900 E. Main Street Danville, Illinois 61832