NASEMAN, MILFORD F.
Milford Frank (Mel) Naseman passed away on November 13, 2015, in Phoenix, AZ, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born on November 30, 1925 to loving parents Frank and Mary (Tortu) Naseman in Lansing, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Harriet (Ovenhouse) Naseman, his sister Catherine (Naseman) Snyder, and his brothers Edgar and Robert Sickler. He is survived by his sons Gregory (Lois) Naseman and David Naseman, his loving niece and “adopted daughter” Helen (Bill) Chynoweth, his granddaughters Aimee, Jalen and Kenna, his sister Marie (Naseman) Chafy, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very good friend and advocate Kathy Upchurch.
He attended St. Mary’s High School in Lansing. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served throughout the Pacific during WWII and received many decorations for his valor, including a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.
He belonged to the Third Marine Division Association (where he served as Sergeant-at-Arms), Marine Raider Association, Purple Heart Society, VFW, and American Legion, and helped found the Marine Corps League in Petoskey, Michigan. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Phoenix. He was a commercial pilot and flew many charter flights around the country.
We would like to acknowledge the Arizona Chapter of the Patriot Guard for their assistance and friendship.
Like the fabled old soldier, General MacArthur, that Mel was very fond of quoting, Mel’s innumerable deeds and acts of kindness, and his spirit of goodness and caring, will never die or be forgotten, particularly by those whose lives he touched in so many meaningful ways and at so many different times and places.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Cave Creek, Arizona and in Lansing, Michigan.
Historian’s note: Research is ongoing to determine if in fact Mr. Naseman actually served in the Marine Raiders and whether he received the Silver Star and Purple Heart.