Melvin Louis Elmhorst

After graduating from Granton High School, Mel enlisted in the Navy, January 12, 1944, one day shy of his 18th birthday. Certified as an Electronics Technicians Mate Second Class, he served on the USS Duncan, a radar picket ship built in Orange, TX, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater till the end of WWII. After his discharge from Great Lakes Naval Station, he settled in Chicago continuing his interest in electronics with United Airlines. Betting his future on television, he spent the balance of his working career as a television repair man, first on the south side then later, on the Northwest ‘six corners’ area of Chicago.

While working on the south side he met his future bride Ruth Rauscher. They married and raised two sons Randall and Brad. Mel was coach and mentor for his boys’ passion for baseball. As an avid White Sox fan, he often took the boys to Comiskey Park as part of their baseball education. During football season he would often bring home television repair work so the family could enjoy his Green Bay Packers on color TV.

The youngest of six children, Mel is preceded in death by his parents Dietrich and Clara, two brothers and three sisters, his wife Ruth and son Randall. He will be missed by his surviving son Brad, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following Mel’s wishes he will be interred next to his wife Ruth in Chapel Hill West in Oakbrook Terrace, IL at a future date. Family and friends will be notified of the memorial service date at Chapel Hill once arrangements are confirmed.

The family would like to thank Hope Hospice and Changing Seasons Senior Living for the care and compassion provided to Mel in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mel’s honor to Hope Hospice of the Hill Country, Bulverde, TX https://www.hopehospice.net/donate.