Melvin E. Kempel passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Lena Living Center in Lena, IL.  Melvin was born on December 2, 1929 at home in Loran to Fred and Alma (Althoff) Kempel.  He was a proud attendee of Loran Country School with all of his siblings.  He graduated from Pearl City High School in 1948.  He married Joan Nelson on November 29, 1953 in Loran.  They dearly loved to dance, spend time with friends, playing cards, and boating on the Mississippi River.  He and long-time friend, Dale DeVries, sang at numerous functions in their younger days.

Melvin was often affectionately referred to as the Mayor of Loran and loved social time with the many friends and neighbors that stopped by with local and national news.  He loved following the Chicago Cubs and was excited to have lived long enough to enjoy the 2016 World Series win! Melvin was the Jefferson Township Assessor, served as the Township Supervisor for over 50 years, and was a 50-year member of the Pearl City Lions and Pearl Lodge #823.

He and Joan were proud parents of their four sons;  Jeff and his wife, Alice; their children, Jennifer and Josh (wife Mara), and their children Natalie and Megan.  Joel and his wife, Lori; their children, Jed (wife Elizabeth) and their children Stella, Brooks and Case; Coe (wife Samantha) and their children Audra, Lane and Colt; Jace (wife Danielle) and their children Collins and Crew.  Jack and his wife, Chris; their children Jacob (wife Kaitlin) and their children Faith and Charlotte; Lucas (wife Tracey) and their children Clara and Jackson; Logan (wife Kylie).  Jay and his wife, Karlyn; their children Jared (wife Sara), Justin and Jason (aka Ted and Paul!).

Melvin is survived by three of his siblings; Marion Jones, Jean Grever and John Kempel.  Also, his sister-in-laws Nancy Kempel and Donna Nelson and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, on June 16, 2004.  Also preceding him in death were his brother Alden and wife Dorothy, brother Warren and wife Helen, sister Ruth Block and her husband Robert (Bud), brother Ralph, brother-in-laws Robert Jones, Dick Murphy, Glenn Grever, Keith Wise and Wayne Nelson, sisters-in-law Rachel Wise and Donna Kempel.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 29, at 11 am at Salem United Church of Christ in Loran with a visitation from 9 am until the time of service. Jim Brown, former Pastor of the Ebenezer/Salem parish will officiate.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Tawfik, Lynda Borsdorf NP, the staff at the Lena Living Center as well as Lana Haas, Melinda Baker, Leann Heimerdinger and Beth Schneider.  Also, special thanks to Jodi Nieman and Dee Scace.

There will be a memorial established for Pearl City Lions Club and Pearl City FFA Chapter.