Mel was born on November 23, 1929 in Omaha, Nebraska. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara Kroeger, and brother William “Billy” Kroeger. He attended Mount Calvary Lutheran Grade School (graduating class of 5), Central High School and the Chicago Trade School.
In 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Army hoping to become a paratrooper in the Korean War. While attending Boot Camp in Fort Riley Kansas, he was injured when a gun malfunctioned, sending him to Madigan Hospital in Tacoma, Washington for four months. He received a medical honorable discharge later that year.
Soon after, he started his career with Merchants Biscuit Company in Omaha which is now known as Keebler Company (Kellogg’s) where he met his wife, Audrey Rhoades from Scranton, Iowa. They were married on June 14, 1953, and recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. In September 1962, they were transferred to the Keebler Bakery in Denver, Colorado where he was employed for 42 years.
While living in Golden, Colorado Mel enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, boating, fishing, horses and camping. His friends remember him as being able to fix most anything, whistling a great tune, and offering a helping hand.
On November 5, 1999, he suffered a debilitating stroke leaving him with limited mobility. He fought for another 11 years, until he fell and broke his hip out at his lake property. Unable to provide the care he needed, his family made the very difficult decision to put him into a Skilled Nursing Facility where he passed on July 11, 2019. During the nine years he spent in Skilled Nursing, he was surrounded by family and friends daily.
He is survived by his wife Audrey, four children: son Kevin, daughter Kelly (Paul) Dickson, Kim (Jeff) Gulka, Kathy (Matt) DiSabato and five grandchildren: Katie and John Dickson, Katie, Jack and Sydney DiSabato.
His family finds peace in knowing that he is walking with his Lord and Savior, with a healthy new body – a hammer in one hand, and a fishing pole in the other.
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