Obituaries : Melvin Charles McElwee

Melvin Charles McElwee, 67, of Armstrong, IA met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face early Friday morning, April 22, 2022 at Mayo Health Systems - Fairmont, MN.

Melvin was born February 2, 1955 to Charles Layton and Hazel Mae McElwee in Fairmont, MN. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at Vacation Bible School at the Free Methodist Church, Armstrong, IA when he was 8 years old and was a faithful follower of Christ his entire life.

Melvin graduated from Armstrong High School in 1973 as Valedictorian and Senior Class President. He was outstanding in scholarship, athletics (particularly proud of being part of the record holding 440 and 880 relay teams and high jump), Future Farmers of America, speech, and citizenship. He "led the way" receiving honors and awards at his high school awards night.

Following graduation, Melvin attended Iowa Lakes Community College, Emmetsburg Vocational Technology Agriculture program and started farming fall of 1973. He raised cattle until 1993 and continued to raise corn and soybeans until he retired due to illness fall of 2021.

On August 2, 1975, Melvin was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Pope at the Open Bible Church in Clear Lake, IA. To this union were born Erin Kay, Wesley Charles, and Leah Mae. Sharon preceded him in death May 6, 1996. By example and teaching, Mel taught their children how to know God for themselves. One of Mel's greatest joys was watching his children and their spouses serve God and raise their families to do the same.

In 1982, Melvin established Iowa Lake Sales and Service, a power and small engine product and repair business. His first dealership was for Dixon, then, Grasshopper and Ariens in 1984, Gravely in 2005, Big Dog in 2016, and Landmaster in 2020. He was a respected business man receiving numerous product and sales recognitions. It was amazing how he could analyze and fix nearly anything mechanical and could recall parts numbers, codes, phone numbers, etc. whenever needed.

Melvin was blessed to find love again meeting Jeananne Louise Lawson in Davenport, IA at an Open Bible Church youth event called Breakaway in 1997 where they both were serving as chaperones. They were married February 13, 1999 at First Church of the Open Bible in Ottumwa, IA.

Melvin was a lifelong member of the Swea City Open Bible Church and at various times, served as board member, worship leader, a talented musician playing bass, electric, and acoustic guitars and keyboard, singer, Bible quiz team coach, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, children's church leader, camp counselor, bus driver/maintenance, and preacher if needed. He had a servant's heart and could do it all well. He always arrived at church early to make sure everything was ready for service, whether shoveling snow, setting up the sound system (and hoping it stayed that way), computer technology, vacuuming, music practice, or whatever needed being done.

A lifelong learner, Mel taught himself website development and established WM Development with his son Wesley. He was a member of the Armstrong Betterment Club, coached AAU sports when Wesley was in middle school, and was a member of Iowa Lakes Community College Small Engine Learning Technical Advisory Council.

In recent years Melvin and Jeanie had the honor and privilege of leading the Mighty Warrior Community Youth Group, whom they loved dearly, along with the help of area community and pastors and lay workers.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Jeanie, his children Erin (Bart) Bentley Loves Park, IL; Wesley (Melissa) McElwee, Vinton, IA; and Leah (Mark) Francke, Cedar Rapids, IA. Grandchildren Genesis, Kessara, and Isaac Bentley; June, Owen, and Mabel McElwee; and Faith and Gabrielle Francke; brother Harold McElwee, Baxter, MN; sisters Beverly Kardoes, LaGrange, GA; Marilyn (Kenneth) Mahaffey, Surry, VA; and Joyce (David) Love, Minneola, FL.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Sharon, sister-in-law Sandy McElwee and brother-in-law Frank Kardoes.