Melvin F. J. Boecklen

Melvin F. J. Boecklen, 80, of Belleville, IL, born May 10, 1930 in Venedy, IL, died Sunday, March 27, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.


Melvin was retired from Pacific Vegetable Oils in St. Louis; he then worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville as a security guard for 11 years; and most recently owned and operated a lawn service. He was a member of St. Salvator Lutheran Church, Venedy, IL; was an avid gardener and enjoyed watching and following Cardinal baseball. He was a Korean War Air Force veteran.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Mollie, nee Brandmeyer, Boecklen; and a brother, Hugo Boecklen.


He is survived by his wife, Pauline M., nee Schuemann, Boecklen who he married in Omaha, NE on Nov. 26, 1955; three sons, Melvin (Charlene) Boecklen of Fairview Heights, IL, Jeffrey (Amy) Boecklen of Belleville, IL, and Douglas (Brittainy) Boecklen of Addieville, IL; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.


The Boecklen family especially thanks St. Paul’s Home staff for their kindness and care they provided to Melvin during his stay there.


Memorials may be made to St. Salvator’s Chime Fund, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc.


Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL, and from 10 to 11 AM Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2011 at St. Salvator Lutheran Church, Venedy, IL.


Funeral: Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at St. Salvator Lutheran Church with Pastor Art Eichhorn officiating. Burial will be in St. Salvator Lutheran Cemetery in Venedy.