Melvin "Mel" Eugene Coleman

Melvin "Mel" Eugene Coleman, age 63, of Granton, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Mel was born on October 17, 1963, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Dorothy and Ronald Coleman. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1981. After graduation, he faced a decision: remain in Seneca or move to Wisconsin with his family. He chose Granton, where he began building the next chapter of his life.

Mel first returned to work at McDonald's, a familiar connection to his high school days in Seneca, before pursuing a skilled trade at Neillsville Foundry. He went on to serve as Plant One Supervisor at Automated Products in Marshfield, then as Temporary Production Manager and Tube Bending Supervisor at Cummins/Nelson Muffler in Neillsville. Later, he worked as a Shift Supervisor at Cummins Filtration in Wautoma. During that time, he lived in a peaceful country farmhouse in Wild Rose, a place he often remembered fondly.

When the Wautoma plant closed, Mel returned to Granton and joined Nelson Global in Black River Falls as a Resource Team Supervisor and Jig Builder. An opportunity to work closer to home later brought him to Mayville Engineering Company (MEC) in Neillsville as a Night Shift Supervisor. Mel had both the skills and the personality to lead others, earning the respect and friendship of those who worked with him.

In 2012, Mel met the love of his life, Becky, and they married in 2013. Their marriage also brought two sons, Levi and Tanner, into his life, and he loved them very much. In 2015, Tucker joined the family as his beloved "fur baby." Mel had found a family who loved him deeply.

Health issues led Mel to retire in 2025, but he made the most of his retirement. He enjoyed starting his mornings in the hot tub before getting to work on whatever needed doing. As he liked to say, "I didn't really retire. I just gained a new boss."

Kind, loving, and generous, Mel was always willing to lend a hand and would give someone the shirt off his back. He enjoyed figuring things out and finding ways to make them better, with YouTube occasionally serving as his best friend. An excellent cook and baker, he loved trying new recipes, smoking food, and cooking on the grill. His delicious meals and warm smile will be deeply missed.

Mel loved exploring new places. His most recent adventure with Becky took them to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. Other treasured trips included family cruises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as winter escapes to Texas. In the fall, Washington Island was a favorite destination, where he enjoyed exploring and gathering with family around beach fires.

At home, Mel took pride in keeping the pool and hot tub ready for family and friends to enjoy. He also loved camping, fishing, four-wheeling, riding UTVs, and, most recently, bicycling-with electric assist, of course. He was looking forward to gathering with family at the cabin for gun-hunting season and had plans to spend a month fishing the following season. Summer family get-togethers were another highlight, especially the chance to see his nieces and nephews. His family meant so much to him.

A devoted Packers and Brewers fan, Mel followed the games and team standings closely and loved talking sports and reminiscing with family and friends. As his family put it, "Packers kicked butt the night he passed!! Go Pack!" His enthusiasm, generosity, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mel is survived by his wife, Becky of almost 14 years; his sons, Levi (Miranda) and Tanner (Klara); his first grandchild, Brynleigh, affectionately known as "Wiggle Bean"; and his beloved Tucker. He is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Debbie), Brian (June), and Brett (Dawn), along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Ronald Coleman; his brother, Greg; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Maggie and Scott Schlinsog.

A Celebration of Mel's Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Mel's family with funeral arrangements.