Melvin "Mel" Falk

Funeral Services for Melvin E. "Mel" Falk will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Wilcox Community Church with the Pastor Craig Cedar officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery in rural Kearney County, Nebraska.

Melvin Edward "Mel" Falk, 72 years of age, of rural Wilcox, Nebraska, died Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege.  Mel was born on December 1, 1943 in Holdrege, Nebraska to Carroll and Leona (Musil) Falk of Wilcox. Mel attended Wilcox Public Schools until graduation in 1962. Following graduation, he attended Grace Bible College in Omaha, Nebraska for one year.  He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Education at Kearney State Teachers College in Kearney, Nebraska and earned his Master's Degree at Colorado State University.

On August 6, 1966, Mel married Susan Lynn Arehart in Minden, Nebraska.  To this union, two daughters were born: Lynn Marie and Karla Ann.

Mel began his 42 ½ year teaching career in Creighton, Nebraska, before moving to Franklin, Nebraska where he was a beloved teacher and coach for 33 years. Mel and Sue then moved to the Arehart family farm south of Wilcox, and Mel taught at Wilcox-Hildreth for an additional 7 ½ years before retiring in 2015.  He enjoyed refereeing football for the State of Nebraska for over 30 years.

Mel studied the word of God and loved Jesus; he was always a shining light to all of those in which he came in contact, and he always saw the best in everyone. He was a hero to his girls and their families.

Mel served continuously throughout his lifetime; he was a member of Gideons International-South Central Camp, Pleasant View Church until its closing, and the Community Evangelical Free Church of Wilcox. Mel enjoyed serving as church Elder, Sunday school teacher, Youth Group Leader and church board member. Mel also served on the Salem Church Preservation Society, as well as the Salem Cemetery Board.

Mel also loved cars; especially Hudsons. Mel restored and cared for numerous Hudsons alongside his father and brother.  The Falk Hudsons have been well-known entries in local parades and car shows for many years. Mel served on the Nebraska-Iowa Hudson Chapter and frequently attended Hudson car meets across the country while supplying parts and supplies to numerous other Hudson enthusiasts.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Mary Arehart.

Survivors include: Mel's wife of 49 years, Susan, of rural Wilcox; two daughters, Lynn Lebsack and her husband Grant of Kearney and Karla Steele and her husband, Trent of Papillion, Nebraska; four grandchildren:  Elliott and Beatrice Lebsack of Kearney and Bennett and Kitt Steele of Papillion; a brother, Ron Falk and his wife, Carroll of Albion; father-in-law, Marvin Arehart of Holdrege, Nebraska; brothers-in-law: Brock Arehart and family friend, Andrew Brackett of Kearney and David Arehart of Holdrege; sister-in-law, Nina Putnam and her husband, Ed of Holdrege; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, relatives, and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established in Melvin's honor and kindly suggested to Gideons International or the Wilcox Community Church.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be left for the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox is in charge of arrangements.