MELVIN EDWARD MILIUS
MELVIN EDWARD MILIUS
(June 21, 1918-June 17, 2011)
Melvin Edward Milius (Mel) was born June 21, 1918 to Hugo and Katherina (Kate) (Frohreich) Milius in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. The family moved to a New Richmond area farm. During the Depression he served in the Civilian Conservation Corp near Chicago. He married Betty (Linden) Milius in 1941. They built a home on the Willow River and farmed raising turkeys and cattle. He did custom farm work and co-owned an auto body shop in Deer Park. In 1956 they moved to California settling in La Crescenta. He continued doing auto body work, while engaged in a variety of other occupations—always tinkering in his garage, building something or another. Before retirement, he owned Gene’s Paint and Body Shop in Glendale, CA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Katherina Milius; sisters, Evelyn Lawrence and Lorraine Svenson; and daughters, Deborah Jane Milius and Patricia Lee Frame.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters: Carlene Rechenmacher (Rhett); KKathryn Stephens (Buddy); grandchildren: Jennifer Bigelow; Scott Stephens (Annie); Brent Frame (Monica); Brian Frame (Suzanne); and Kelsey Frame; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mel was an avid fisherman whether in the frigid waters of Alaska or lakes and rivers anywhere. He had a favorite halibut picture that he showed any new acquaintances. Betty and Mel traveled extensively in their motor home, frequently with one of the boats he built. Many water skiers learned to ski behind Big Bertha or SumFun.
He was generous with his time and careful with his money. He had a dry sense of humor and loved to tell stories about when he was growing up and when times were really tough. He and Betty played cards together most days and as often as possible with friends.
He and Betty loved to host the Annual Memorial Weekend Camp-In’s when friends and family gathered for cards, games, potluck food, and fun and did so for more than 25 years. In lieu of a funeral, a Memorial Celebration was held on July 21, 2011 at the family home in Tujunga. Friends and family members shared stories of many adventures they had together and the “mechanical miracles” Mel performed when rigs broke down in route to camping destinations. Thanks to the Galivanter’s Camping Group of the Glendale Elks Club for organizing the Memorial.
He died of heart and kidney failure in Juniper Hills, CA, Friday, June 17th, 4 days before his 93rd birthday. He was cared for at home by family and the Hoffman Hospice of Palmdale. Private services were held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.