Mel Spaeth

Spaeth, Mel Age 90, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2014 at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on March 9, 1924 in Brooten, MN to Johnny and Clara Spaeth. There is so much to be said about Mel, who lived a long, exciting, and wonderful life, that it would take multiple pages to share. This memoriam will be an attempt to highlight the amazing life of Mel Spaeth, and those who were a part of his journey. Mel grew up in Minnesota where he graduated high school. At the height of World War II he answered his country's call to duty, was drafted into the United States Military, and joined the Navy in 1943. He excelled in the Navy as a Pharmacy Technician and served until the end of WWII in 1946, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. After his service to this country, he returned to Minnesota to the woman who first caught his eye and heart a few years before, who had facilitated his draft board. Mel married his first wife, Rose in 1946. Soon after, they moved to Portland, OR where three of their five children were born. Seeking better weather and career opportunities, Mel and Rose moved their family to San Diego, CA in 1957 where their two younger children were born. Mel, along with Rose, began work for the federal government Public Works Center as civilian employees. Mel worked for the Public Works Center for 35 years and retired with honors and accolades as a computer specialist. In 1998, Mel and Rose relocated to Rio Rancho, NM due to the declining health of Rose and to be near their children. In February of 2001, after 54 years of marriage to his first love and soul mate, he suffered one of his greatest losses by the passing away of Rose. After he took much needed time to heal and adjust being without Rose, he married Mae Monear. Although they had no biological children together, being the honorable man that Mel was, he stepped into the role of loving step-father to Mae's four adult children and step-grandfather to their children. His marriage to Mae of 4 years ended with her passing away. Mel received various recognition and honors throughout his long and interesting life. When Mel wasn't captivating others by sharing his life adventures and experiences through his unique way of story telling, he enjoyed fishing, world traveling, (loved Hawaii), loved telling jokes, enjoyed being a member of the Elks Lodge and American Legion/VFW, and spending intimate quality time with friends and family. Mel was preceded in death by his first wife, Rose, second wife, May; son, Johnny Spaeth, and step-son, Marty. Mel is survived by his children, Layne Spaeth and wife Jackie of Phoenix, AZ, Chuck Spaeth of Las Vegas, NV, Linda Styler and Pam Byrne both of Rio Rancho, NM; step-sons, Mike and Kevin; step-daughter, Polly; ten grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren. A Viewing for family and friends will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, August 18, 2014, at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. The family will greet relatives and friends prior to the Funeral Services which will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Chapel. Interment with full Military Honors will immediately follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, Rio Rancho, NM. At the request of Mel's family flowers may be sent to Daniels Family Funeral Services. Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920