Mel was the starting center for the best football team in BTHS history. Aside from being a great teammate, Mel will always be remembered as the guy that broke our blocking dummy and Frala stopped practice that hot summer day...thanks again Mel. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Go in peace my friend.
Mel and I went to Univ. of Illinois together and pledged TKE. I think he was in pre-law. He should have been in pre-stand up comedy. He was always walking around trying to speak Russian which he mistakenly took but was smart enough to drop. He was a good guy!
Mel was a good friend and teammate on the 1962 championship football team. Our dads introduced us when were five years old. We lived in St. Louis, and when we moved to Belleville in 1960, Mel introduced me to people there. We pulled some pranks with buddies, one resulting in Mel's dad, who was the public defender, getting us all off the hook at the Belleville police station that night. I was honored to be his best man in 1967 when he and Rosemary married. We stayed in contact sporadically over the years, but I knew Mel was always there. I will miss him.
I never personally knew Mel in high school, but like everyone, knew of him and his ability on the football field. I was saddened to learn of his passing. Rest in peace, Mel!
James Zaring
Mel was the starting center for the best football team in BTHS history. Aside from being a great teammate, Mel will always be remembered as the guy that broke our blocking dummy and Frala stopped practice that hot summer day...thanks again Mel. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Go in peace my friend.
Michael Oesterle
Mel and I went to Univ. of Illinois together and pledged TKE. I think he was in pre-law. He should have been in pre-stand up comedy. He was always walking around trying to speak Russian which he mistakenly took but was smart enough to drop. He was a good guy!
Mick Oesterle
Charlie Manker
Mel was a good friend and teammate on the 1962 championship football team. Our dads introduced us when were five years old. We lived in St. Louis, and when we moved to Belleville in 1960, Mel introduced me to people there. We pulled some pranks with buddies, one resulting in Mel's dad, who was the public defender, getting us all off the hook at the Belleville police station that night. I was honored to be his best man in 1967 when he and Rosemary married. We stayed in contact sporadically over the years, but I knew Mel was always there. I will miss him.Marianne Walther (Schaefer)
I never personally knew Mel in high school, but like everyone, knew of him and his ability on the football field. I was saddened to learn of his passing. Rest in peace, Mel!
Nick Skidis
God bless Mel ,he will be missed.
We grow up near each's homes, went to the same schools, same cub pack.
My he rest in peace.