Melvin W. Papka

Melvin W. Papka, age 87, of Marengo, Illinois went to be with Jesus on Monday, November 25, 2024. Melvin was born on December 2, 1936 in Watertown, South Dakota to Floyd and Beatrice Papka. Melvin married Mardell Wise in 1959 and their marriage resulted in three beautiful children. Later Melvin married the love of his life Kathryn Rauscher on September 1, 1979, they spent 40 wonderful years of life together. Melvin worked at Arnold Engineering in Marengo for over 30 years before retiring in 1993. You could find Mel in his garage woodworking or in his yard gardening in his free time. Melvin was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, always active in the service of the church.

Melvin is survived by his children, Wanda (Ken) Stauber and Tim (Wendy) Papka; step children, Gregory (Kim) Rucker and Angela (Jeff) Taylor; grandchildren, Alisha Stauber, Andrew (Olivia) Stauber, Teagan Papka, Kyle Papka, Catlynn, Kristopher, Stephen, Patrick, Samantha, and Rebecca Rucker, James, David, and Nicholas Taylor; great granddaughter, Olivia Wahmhoff and great grandson, Kanen Stauber. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Papka; daughter, Annette Papka; parents, Floyd and Beatrice Papka; siblings, Shirley Gleason, Harry Papka and Gene Papka.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Marengo, Illinois from 11am until the time of the funeral service at 1pm. Interment to follow at Marengo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the on-going mission for Operation Christmas Child at Zion.