Melvin “Mel” Francis Rabe

Melvin “Mel” Francis Rabe, 90, of Phelps, WI, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Our Home K-Care Assisted Living.

He was born December 18, 1923 in Eldorado, WI a son to Arthur and Gladys Balthazor Rabe.

Mel served his country from 1943 to 1946 in New Guinea and Southern Philippines.  He was a machine gunner and awarded multiple service medals. 

On June 29, 1979 he married Audrey Huck.

Before moving to Phelps on April 15, 1990, Mel owned and operated Ideal Body & Glass in Fond du Lac and Ziebarts in Eau Claire, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Fond du Lac.  He was a member of the Auto Body Association, charter member of VFW and American Legion, member and past president of the Evening Optimist Club and very active in the Marquise Drum and Bugle Corp. maintaining vehicles and transporting the Bugle Corp. 

Mel loved to travel, loved old-old cars and going to car shows and loved hunting and fishing especially hunting in Montana for 31 years.  Mel had a great sense of humor and was very adventurous and loyal to many family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Audrey; Sisters-in-law, Virginia Rabe and Mary Guell; Brother-in-law Donald (Carol) Huck; 15 nieces and nephews; other relatives; friends; his dog Buddy and his cats Cindy and Samantha.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lester and Robert, and three nephews.

Special thank you to caregivers, Phelps Inn Care, Our Home K Care and all others who helped make Mel’s final days/years comfortable.

Visitation:  Family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  There will also be visitation on Friday, May 2, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, 200 S. Peters Ave, 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Service:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 2, 2014, 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church.  Military Rites will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Mel’s name will be established.

Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.  www.zacherlfuneralhome.com