Melvin Martin

Mel and the four J's. Joyce, his beloved wife, of 69 years and his three children Jodi, Julie and Jim. As well as 2 grandchildren Katelyn and Josh. We were all a big part of Mels life.

Everything he did was for his family.

Every road trip across this great country was an adventurous history lesson for all of us.

Visiting the museums, forts, president's homes and any brown historical signs that we came across is something that we will all remember.

Dad, made it possible and special.

Traveling in a station wagon with an extended  family of 7, as well as the family dog was a feet all in itself.

Dad would barrel down the highway with his fuzz buster (for the younger generation that is what we would call a radar detector) trying to avoid getting a speeding ticket.

Us siblings were not always in agreement with Dad's traveling choices.

As children we did not always appreciate ALL that our parents do for us.

Mel, Dad, on occasion, would refer to his children, as…The 3 urchins!

Dad would do anything for his urchins!

Our house was a home and he created it to be our safe place for all. Including the occasional refugees ( The Urchins friends).

During his prime Mel was an electrician 2nd Class on the navy supply ship USD AKA 4 Pollux. He called it the floating Sears catalogue. Purchasing chinaware sets and sending them back to the states was his side job. Mel worked at Delco Electronics  a decision  GM for 10 years as a quality control engineer for the Apollo space program in the 1960's.

Mel also free lanced as a business analyst, for companies that needed help with production.

With his knowledge of being an engineer dad was always finding ways to save money by MacGyvering it, or as well called it Melisums. The window shunts he created to let air in and but keep the rain out. Genius!

In his golden years he found the love of shopping for a good deal.

Between The Village , nutcrackers, Santa's and yes, even "black olives", he was always looking for that deal.

His hobby, "The Village", which ended up being a 30 year endeavor, started as a small village on top of the baby grand piano in the living room at Christmas time.

After years of expansions and relocations, a permanent structure was finally created in the basement of his Cedarburg home.

Over the years, The Village expanded from a downtown theme, to a full on suburban neighborhood and finally the country side!

This filled an entire 10x12 room.

Complete with train station, skating rink and stable, not to mention hundreds of structures, carriages and figurines.

Dad was so proud of his marvel to say the least.

As every town needs a name, a welcoming sign to his village was made… and we named it Melville.

When Dad decided it was time to let Melville go, everyone picked a small portion of the village for their very own to remember and, to this day we keep the legacy going.

Each piece kept by family and friends bore the mark, "from the original town of Melville."

We are all very fortunate to have been a part of Melvin's life.

He worked hard and was a fighter all the way to the very end.

Making sure his family was cared for was Dad's way of showing his love for us.

His memories, stories, and traditions will be cherished and shared for generations to come.

So, every time you pass by a historical sign, see a Christmas village, or a station wagon (these days a minivan) filled with a family of travelers, take a moment and remember our Dad, Mel, and feel his spirit!

Melville may have been massive. But the village he created at home, was his greatest achievement.

His spirit will live on with us and he will be remembered on a daily basis.

We will always treasure you until we meet again!