Melvin Rudolph Pahl

MONONA-Melvin R. Pahl, age 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Melvin “Mel” was born on Nov. 26, 1919 in the Township of Springfield, the youngest of Anna Henrieta (Haak) Pahl & William Fredrick Pahl’s five children. Mel was a graduate of Madison Central High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II stationed in the European Theatre. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1947. During the war, Mel was united in marriage to Marcella “Marcy” Layman on June 24, 1944. Upon his return, Mel co-owned Evenson and Pahl Excavation. Mel would eventually sell his share of the business to attend technical college to receive a degree in auto body repair. This education led him to a fulfilling and lengthy career with Kayser Ford. Mel enjoyed working on cars a great deal and helping others with theirs. Mel served as Secretary of the Kayser Ford Credit Union for many years, which would later merge with the Members First Credit Union. Mel was a lifetime member of VFW Post No. 7591 and was a member of the F & AM Madison Masonic Lodge No. 5, for 46 years . He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with his family on several vacations across the country. One of Mel and Marcy’s most memorable trips was spent abroad in London, England. Mel is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marcy; daughter, Julie (Jim) Pahl-Washa; and twin sons, Duane (Cindy) Pahl and Don (Donna Fasel) Pahl. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four older sisters and brothers-in-law, Violet “Vi” (Harold) Bearbower, Vera (Einer) Evenson, Dorothy (John) Barnett, and Adelia “Dee” (James) McCann. The family would like to thank the staff of Oak Park Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Care Center for attending to Mel’s needs during his stay. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, with the Rev. Ed Johnson presiding. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorials can be made to the St. Stephens Food Pantry or VFW Post No. 7591. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420