Melvin William Beranek

Melvin William Beranek was born on June 19, 1925 in Hillsboro, WI to William and Anna (Novy) Beranek . Mel grew up in Yuba, WI and attended the Estaley Country School and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1942. He also attended the University of Wisconsin pre veterinary program. Mel was drafted into the United States Army serving in the 8th Infantry division called the Golden Arrow. During World War II he was a corporal and fought on Omaha Beach and for the next 1½ years fought in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland Germany and central Europe. Mel was awarded 2 purple hearts and received the American, European, African and Middle Eastern Theatre service medals. He also served in the Air force at Truax Field in Madison, WI. During he war he met Ray Rego and became good friends, later becoming brother in laws. Mel worked in Fort Atkinson at the Belmont Hotel Bar and Restaurant with his sister Lucy and Ray. Mel was married and helped raise 8 children. Mel worked for 16 years at Sonny’s Sandwich shop in Madison, WI and eventually opened Mel’s Sandwich Shop. He was a volunteer fireman, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. In 1969 Mel moved to Foley, MN where he met and married Elaine Sorensen on October 21, 1972. He worked for Levodoski Farm Machinery and Repair and the Foley Liquor on / off sales. Mel was very active in the Foley Legion where he served as commander and also the Milaca American Legion and the Gilman VFW. He was in charge of the Foley Honor and Colorguard for 20 years. He was a member of the Foley Fire Department and Lions Club. Mel enjoyed being with people, always having a big smile and a joke or story. Mel played the accordion and sang at the Foley Nursing Home. He enjoyed playing cribbage and scrabble was a great cook and was an avid reader. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and will be remembered for all the love he gave and will be missed by many. Melvin died on Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Foley Nursing Home at the age of 84 years 5 months and 11 days. He is survived by his children, Bill (Becky) Beranek of Carney, Mi, Nancy (Terry) Erickson of Winter, WI, John (Becky) Beranek of Brooklyn, WI, Barbara Waln of Depere, WI, Susan (Fred) Wyssbrod of Albany, WI, Marla (Chris) Paris of Jacksonville, Fl., Laurie Sauer of Green Bay, WI and Tom Beranek of Appleton, WI., 17 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a sister, Lucy Rego of Elroy, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine, a brother and a sister. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Peterson Johnson Funeral Home in Milaca. Friends may call one hour before services at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca, MN. Military honors will be provided by Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #178 and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794. Arr. Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home of Milaca.