Mel Wassemiller

A hard-working, dedicated man who always gave his very best, Mel Wassemiller lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Born in a time of struggle, Mel never shied from a challenge. He confidently faced each day with gratitude for his blessings and determination to be his very best for those he so dearly loved. Whether tinkering on an engine, tending to his yard, playing a game of cards, or cheering on his loved one’s endeavors, Mel enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially when they included time with family and friends. A loving father, companion, brother, uncle, and friend, Mel will long be remembered and so very missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression,1930 beheld a power of hope that undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there a greater sense of hope than in the home of Jacob and Rosa (Bender) Wassemiller, as they welcomed their son, Mel, to their family on November 7, in Kansas, America’s Heartland.

Born into a family of farmers, Mel’s grandparents eventually relocated to Michigan, settling in the Saginaw area. There, they found new opportunities working for General Motors – a change that Mel’s grandfather embraced with far more enthusiasm than the farming life they left behind. Mel graduated from St. Charles High School, where he enjoyed playing on the football team. Mel was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and it was quickly discovered that he could type pretty well. The Army put his skills to good use during his service to his country, which was just fine by Mel.

After safely returning home, Mel started working at General Motors. For over 30 years, Mel dedicated himself to being a strong, reliable worker for GM. He was well-known for his passion, strong ethics, and never missing work. He began his career working on the production line, and over time, he advanced to the role of supervisor. The Pontiac Fiero was the last car he worked on before retiring in 1986.

Mel first met his wife, Fay, through a group of friends. Their love blossomed, and Mel recognized that Fay would make a good mother. After a two-year courtship, the couple happily married on September 27, 1958, at Fay’s parents’ home in Pontiac, Michigan. The celebration continued as Mel and Fay headed up north to the Upper Peninsula for a romantic honeymoon and the chance to take in Autumn’s splendor.

The newlyweds settled into married life together back in Pontiac, where Mel worked at Pontiac Motors and Fay worked at the local hospital. The couple soon found their hearts and home filled with the joy and laughter of two wonderful children, Phil and Paula, and adjusted their priorities so Fay could leave her job to care for the children full-time.

As a father, Mel devoted himself to providing for his family and sharing his work ethic with his kids. He made sure their lives were well-rounded, including attending church every Sunday and gathering with family every holiday. Both activities proved purposeful and joyful for all. With Fay’s unwavering support, Mel enjoyed a home filled with love and comfort. When they were young, his children and neighborhood kids came up with his nickname “Mel Mel,” which he fondly welcomed. Mel’s fine example and teachings are much to be credited for leading his children to find success in their careers.

When Mel retired, Fay returned to work at Pontiac General Hospital. Every day, Mel drove her to work and stopped to visit his mom for breakfast afterwards. Mr. Fix-it, Mel filled his days tinkering with lawn mowers, snow blowers, and anything else with an engine. He was very handy and could figure out how to fix just about anything. One of Mel’s great joys was bird hunting in Iowa with his loyal hunting dog, where he found peace in the open fields and the simple pleasures of nature. He was also meticulous about his lawn and enjoyed flying remote control airplanes and playing cards. A version of Pinochle called Airplane was among his favorites. Every holiday, if there were enough people to play cards, Mel enthusiastically started a game. The simple pleasure of fresh Michigan tomatoes on a BLT with corn on the cob was an ideal meal, and cashews were a favorite snack.

In 1996, Mel and Fay moved to Kalamazoo to be closer to their children, who lived in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. In the early 2000s, Mel and Fay bought a cottage with their kids by the lake in Kalkaska, where they loved to watch and listen to the loons. After 53 years of marriage and a fierce cancer battle, Fay died in October 2011.

Always a frugal man who was content with a simple life, Mel bought his first Cadillac after Fay died. Though he was in his eighties, his delight in owning the car was like a kid in a candy store. A few years after Fay died, Mel met Della Wilson, who became a wonderful companion and part of the family. Mel and Della attended many events together and explored neighboring towns, building treasured memories along the way.

As we celebrate Mel’s life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we confidently face life’s challenges, give our best to our work, embrace the gift of the day, gather with loved ones, tinker on a favorite project, or enjoy a homemade BLT, we keep Mel’s memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Mel Wassemiller of Kalamazoo, age 94, died on August 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fay; brother, Elmer Wassemiller; and son, Craig Miraglia. Surviving are his children: Phil Wassemiller and Paula Johnson; sisters: Della Perry and Donna (Jeff) Rothe; nieces and nephews: Wendy Wassemiller, Veronica (Dave) Shepard, Vic Perry, Renee (Kerry) Parkkila, and Mike (Stephanie) Evans.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Thursday, August 14, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Visitation will begin one-hour prior. A reception will also follow the service in the Life Story Center, where food, drink, and stories can be shared. Burial at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy. Celebrate Mel’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.