Ralph and Joan Melling's Obituary
Ralph was born on June 21, 1927 to Alexander and Elsie Melling. He has 2 younger sisters, Beverly Rogers and Jean Farbin. Joan was born on Feb. 19, 1931 to Jack and Pearl Meimberg. She had an older sister, Joyce Johnson and younger brother William Meimberg.
Ralph was a WWII Navy veteran when he married Joan on Feb. 1, 1950. They had 3 children, Lynda (Marty) Russo, Bill - who beat them to heaven on July 4, 1999, and Lori (Joe) Gattuso. They have 11 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
Ralph started as an agent at Commonwealth Insurance Co. and worked his way up to Field Vice President before retiring. He encouraged us to realize the importance of education, being well informed, know history (or be doomed to repeat it), hard work, and to value the freedom that others sacrificed to give us… especially Christ (after he was saved in his 60’s).
Joan loved to sing in church choirs and Sweet Adelines, loved directing choruses, and was in a winning International quartet - The Tiffanys. She was a part of a USO European tour. She was also Ralph’s secretary for many years. She passed on a love of music to many in the family.
A celebration of the lives of both Ralph and Joan will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Upper Room Church Ministries (1450 Catherine Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442).
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph and Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph and Joan?
Share a story where Ralph and Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph and Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph and Joan make you smile?