Obituary of Kenneth J. Mellecker

Kenneth J. “Red” Mellecker, 71 of 1946 Farrell Drive, Coralville, died unexpectedly Friday, December 21, 2007, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, in Iowa City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 1pm Thursday, December 27, 2007 at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where a reception will immediately follow the services. Family graveside services will be held at St. Stanislaus Cemetery near Hills. Visitation will be from 4 to 6pm Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Red’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Kenneth Joseph Mellecker was born May 21, 1936, in Hills, Iowa the son of Francis “Tade” Mellecker and Josephine (Doyle) Mellecker. Red graduated from Iowa City High School in 1954, where he lettered in many sports and played on the 1953 state championship football team. He married Janet Shank on May 19, 1956, in Iowa City. He lived all of his life in this area, working in the printing industry in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids for over fifty years until his retirement. In his retirement, he worked as a shuttle driver for Toyota of Iowa City, enjoying his daily interactions with many people. Red was an avid Hawkeye and Cardinal's fan, was actively involved with the City High Alumni Association, enjoyed golf, crossword puzzles, and working in his woodshop, building furniture for family and friends. His family includes his wife, Janet; three daughters and their families, Piper Anderson and her husband, Jeff of Greensboro, NC and their two children, Seth Anderson and his wife Katie, and Drew Anderson; Shelli Doolin and her husband, Kirby of Cincinnati, OH and their three children, Eric Doolin and his wife Lauren, Erin Doolin, and Alyssa Doolin and her fiance Eric Fomon; Carrie Hogarty and her husband, John of Cincinnati, OH. Other family includes a brother, Bernard “Boom” Mellecker and his wife, Phyllis of Riverside; sisters, Delores Latta of Wilton, and Eileen Yotty of Kalona. Red was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Gerald “Stub” Mellecker. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Red’s family and his services.