Melvin LeRoy Dahlke Jr.

Melvin L. Dahlke, 79, of Grand Island, NE earned his wings on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Grand Island with his family by his side. Melvin's wishes were to be cremated, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Melvin was born March 28, 1945, to Melvin C and Lydia (Klinckacek) Dahlke in Wood River, Nebraska. Melvin attended school in the Grand Island school system. On December 12, 1962, he married the love of his life Lois Boltz and to this union four daughters were born.

At an early age he started out helping run the family garbage business his father started then went to work for his uncle at Dahlke Sanitation. He was a mechanic and auto body man for years. Later in his life he wanted to drive a semi-truck and accomplished that task working for Christensen's Trucking, Speedway, Robb trucking and Gregg Brothers to list a few. Then returned back to being a semi mechanic until his health failed him.

Mel was a jack of all trades and a master of many. Mel enjoyed playing pool tournaments, bowling, hunting, fishing, camping and was a marksman at a young age. He took great pride in his yard and gardens.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Lois of sixty-two years, four daughters: Dee (Ryan) Simons, Rene'e (Jeff) Martin, Tina (Richard) Glasser and Lorrie (Todd) Martens; he was blessed with nine grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren; brothers: David Dahlke and Robert Dahlke; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; sister, Lorraine (Palmer) Ash; brother, Richard Dahlke; niece, Cindy (Palmer)Ash; brother in law, Elmer Palmer; and sisters in law: Sue (Dahlke) Wertz and Ernestine Dahlke.