ST. ONGE, MELVIN

Melvin John St. Onge passed away peacefully with his family and loved ones at his side on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Reed City Spectrum Health Hospital. He was 99 years young. He was born in Saint Ignace to John and Josephine St. Onge and was a graduate of Saint Ignace La Salle High School. He supported his family of six children working for the Michigan Department of Transportation while his wife sacrificed her career to raise the family. The St. Onges moved to Reed City in 1967 so that Melvin could be home daily after work. Mel was a WWII United States Marine veteran who participated in action against the enemy at the Consolidation of the Solomons, Bougainville, and at Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Purple Heart for action at Bougainville November 1, 1943. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, watching CNN and discussing politics, and performing home repairs. Most of all, he was the happiest when his family and grandchildren were gathered together in his home. He was active in community service including: Crop Walk, Walk for Warmth, planting flowers, K of C Tootsie Roll Drive, Board of Review, and initial planning and work on Westerberg Park. He was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 71 years, and was the oldest living Democrat in Osceola County. He is survived by his children Michael Edward (Linda) St. Onge, Roberta Alice (Art) Fierros, Suzanne Marie (Mark) Brower, Kathleen Ann (Tim) Sweet, Timothy John St. Onge, and Mary Beth Beamer, grandchildren: Melanie Lynn Brower, Eric Scott Brower, Danielle Marie (Eddie Weipert) Sweet, Jacqueline Kristine Sweet, Jennifer (Shane) St. Onge-Anderson, Elisabeth (Josh) St. Onge-Deere, and great-grandchildren Olivia Deere, Isaac Deere, and Jaxson Anderson, GiGi Anderson. His wife of 66 years, Nonie, and son-in-law Alan Beamer precede Melvin in death.

Visitation with the family will be from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the St. Philip-Neri Catholic Church in Reed City, with a rosary service to follow. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the church with burial and military honors following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Reed City. A memorial contribution may be made in his name to the St. Philip-Neri Catholic Church.