Melvin A. Patenaude, age 96, of Brookfield (formerly of Slinger), passed away on Friday, March 30, 2012, at his home.

Melvin was born on Sept. 3, 1915, to the late Achilles and Mary (nee Favourd) in Klondike, Wis. He married Lillian E. (nee Depner) on Oct. 28, 1939, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Oconto. They moved to Milwaukee from Oconto when he was 35 to provide a better life for his family. He worked at Continental Can for 27 years, where he retired. After his retirement, they spent time in Arbor Vitae, on the lake. They moved back to Oconto Falls for a short period, later moving to Slinger. In 2008, they moved to Brookfield, where he spent his final days.

He was an avid baseball fan, especially the Brewers. He enjoyed the Packers and all other sports. He was also involved in the Cub Scouts. He also enjoyed the North woods, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, gardening, square and big band dancing. He loved to travel around the United States and Mexico. Melvin loved telling stories about his life and adventures. He had a passion for sweets and tomatoes.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife, of 72 years, Lillian; his children Errol, Sandra Wellner, Dianne (Carl) Mattson, and Michael (Lynne). He is also survived by his grandchildren Patty Powell, Suzanne (Dean) Polenz, Sarah (Joel) Schettler, Ellen (Larry) Brinkman, Jennifer (Michael) Kuhn, Melanie and Andrew Patenaude; great-grandchildren Sophia Polenz, Jessica and Jared Brinkman, and Ian, Ella and Levi (soon to be) Kuhn. He is further survived by two brother-in-laws and one sister-in-law.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson Thomas, and daughter-in-law LuAnne. He is also preceded in death by his siblings Lucille, Rose, Nelson, Sam, Ervin, Ed, Elizabeth, Lucian, and Veronica.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held today, Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at 6 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (200 E. Washington St., Slinger 53086) with Father Richard Stoffel presiding. The visitation will be at church today, Tuesday, April 3, from 3-5:45 p.m. Interment will take place at Oconto Catholic Cemetery in Oconto. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations, where donations will be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church Endowment Fund.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Sandra Wellner for her compassionate care and Vitas Home Hospice for their expertise in caring for Melvin in his last days.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.
(262) 338-2050/www.phillipfuneralhome.com