WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Melvin Eugene Ellison, 80, of Wakefield, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Melvin was born on May 15, 1943, in Odell, Nebraska, to Lester and Hope (Renz) Ellison. He attended school in Holmesville, Nebraska, and graduated in 1960. He went on to graduate from the Lincoln School of Commerce with an accounting degree. Melvin worked as a civilian at the Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska, and as a funds manager at the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan.

In August 1975, Melvin married Gail Keski in Marquette. They raised their two children, Eliina and Kyle, in Nebraska.

Melvin enjoyed reading a variety of subjects, particularly History, Bible study, volunteering at church, church activities, family gatherings, traveling, museums, anything Cornhuskers, watching sports, photography, genealogy, outdoors, and writing letters and clipping newspaper articles to send to family and friends around the country. He was a member of the National Federation of Federal Employees and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Gail; a daughter, Eliina (Dr. JaDon) Whitfield, Madison, Alabama; a son, Kyle, Wakefield; three grandchildren, Jalynn, Jadiina and Christopher; an aunt; many cousins; stepsiblings and their families; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gayle and Keith; two stepfathers, Erwin Totsch and Willard Nippert; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Laura Keski.

At his request, cremation has taken place. There will be no service at this time.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.