Melvin E. Benzel, 80, of North Platte, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Melvin was born in Mitchell Valley, Nebraska, near Gering on July 20, 1930 to Conrad and Pauline (Keller) Benzel. The family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming as a young child and grew up in that city. After graduating from Cheyenne High School and his military service in the U.S. Army, he returned to Cheyenne and apprenticed as a machinist for the Union Pacific Railroad. Melvin married Mary Lou Laub on June 4, 1966 in Cheyenne and to this union a daughter, Angela was born. The family moved to North Platte in 1971 with the railroad, and have lived here for 40 years. He retired in 1992. Melvin helped with building of the Western Heritage Museum and after retirement joined RSVP and delivered Meals-on-Wheels until his health prevented it. He was the Cody Park Santa, also playing this special character at schools and clubs. Melvin was a lifetime member of the BPOE Elks in Cheyenne over 50 years, P.R. Halligan Post #163 of the American Legion and First Lutheran Church. He loved to dance, especially square dancing and was very good at it. Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother, Ronnie; and father-in-law, Paul Laub. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; daughter, Angela; grandson, Chris Carrizales; brother, Walter and wife Billie; mother-in-law, Helen Laub; nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends. Cremation was chosen. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. A private family inurnment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at a later date.
Published North Platte Telegraph
Published North Platte Telegraph
Melvin E. Benzel, 80, of North Platte, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Melvin was born in Mitchell Valley, Nebraska, near Gering on July 20, 1930 to Conrad and Pauline (Keller) Benzel. The family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming as a young child and grew up in that city. After graduating from Cheyenne High School and his military service in the U.S. Army, he returned to Cheyenne and apprenticed as a machinist for the Union Pacific Railroad. Melvin married Mary Lou Laub on June 4, 1966 in Cheyenne and to this union a daughter, Angela was born. The family moved to North Platte in 1971 with the railroad, and have lived here for 40 years. He retired in 1992. Melvin helped with building of the Western Heritage Museum and after retirement joined RSVP and delivered Meals-on-Wheels until his health prevented it. He was the Cody Park Santa, also playing this special character at schools and clubs. Melvin was a lifetime member of the BPOE Elks in Cheyenne over 50 years, P.R. Halligan Post #163 of the American Legion and First Lutheran Church. He loved to dance, especially square dancing and was very good at it. Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother, Ronnie; and father-in-law, Paul Laub. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; daughter, Angela; grandson, Chris Carrizales; brother, Walter and wife Billie; mother-in-law, Helen Laub; nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends. Cremation was chosen. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. A private family inurnment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at a later date.
Published North Platte Telegraph
Published North Platte Telegraph
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