Melvin W. Machemer

Melvin W. Machemer, 86, of Stevensville, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville with Rev. Philip Quardokus officiating.  Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville with military rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, and from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the Church.  Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church-Bell Tower Fund or Berrien County Victims Services Program.  Those wishing to sign Mel’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mel Machemer was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on December 21, 1931 to Arthur T. and Lucille C. (Wilson) Machemer. After graduating from Niles High School he enlisted in the Army National Guard and was later transferred into the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his term of service, he continued in the Army Reserves, serving his country for a total of 32 years. Mel married Ellen Carol Zielke on July 28, 1957 in Berrien Springs, a union that lasted over 60 years.  Mel began work at Pemco, obtaining his Tool and Die training from his father-in-law, Erwin Zielke.  He later worked at Bendix-Allied Signal for 30 years, eventually traveling as a Senior Field Service Representative throughout the country and around the world. After retiring in 1995, Mel was a Lakeland Volunteer at the Marie Jaeger Cancer Center, and was a charter member of the Victim Services Unit of the BC Sheriff’s Department.  Mel’s saving faith in Jesus Christ was put into action through these activities and he truly loved his Christ Lutheran Church family.  He enjoyed attending Bible classes and helping out around church.  He loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren, anxious to fill any need they had.  He also couldn’t get enough of his great-grandchildren during the past 6 years. Mel is survived by his loving wife, Ellen and his sons and daughters-in-law, Melvin and Susan of Sterling Heights, David and Yan of Seattle, WA, and Robert and Julie of Berrien Center; five grandchildren, Matthew, Joel, Jason, Michael, and Kayla Sue; and four great-grandchildren, Noah, Ella, Henry, and Morgyn.  He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Sue Ellen with whom he is now rejoicing in heaven!