Melvin Dean Olander

Born on October 24, 1934, to Carl and Elma Olander in the small town of Greeley, Colorado. Melvin grew up surrounded by the laughter, chaos, and love that come with being the fourth of six children. From those early days, his spirit was shaped by family, hard work, and the steady rhythms of small-town life.

As a young man, he felt a calling larger than himself and stepped boldly into it. The Navy became his doorway to the world—carrying him across oceans, skies, and distant horizons. His 21 years of service took him from Spain to Vietnam and countless places in between, turning a boy from Colorado into a man who had seen the world’s vastness and beauty. He rose to Chief Petty Officer and served with skill, honor, and quiet pride, earning medals that spoke to a lifetime of courage and commitment.

After his military life, Melvin continued his work with Solar Turbines and later Caterpillar, where he became known for his expertise in solar turbines. Yet even with all he accomplished, his true joy lived elsewhere—in the people he loved.

His greatest joy was spending time with those he loved family and friends—especially his grandchildren. They will forever remember the camping trips under starlit skies, the stillness of early morning fishing, the clam digging adventures, and the long motorhome journeys filled with stories, laughter, and discovery. These weren’t just trips; they were lessons in wonder, in gratitude, and in the beauty of exploring the world together.

Melvin embraced life’s simple pleasures: a good meal shared with friends, a lively gathering, a baseball game, a Sunday football ritual, a night at the theater. Golf was his daily meditation—the place where he found peace, movement, and sunlight.

Melvin lived with kindness at his center. He accepted people as they were and gave generously without needing recognition. His faith lived in his actions—the gentle way he treated others, the charities he supported, the grace he extended freely.

On November 9, 2025, the angels came softly and carried Melvin home. Though he has left this earthly place, his love continues—woven into the lives of those who knew him, carried in memories that will rise gently for years to come.

Melvin was welcomed into eternity by his parents Carl and Elma; his sisters Violet, Dora, and Laurel; his brother Dale; two wives, Ruth and Bobbie; his former wife Lucile; and his stepson John Peterkin Jr.

Those who continue his story here on earth include his stepdaughter Renee Rubert (Cliff), stepson Mathew Peterkin (former wife Angie) daughter Michelle LeNorman and seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his sister Marilyn Manweiler (Robert), his nephew Brett Manweiler, and many other nieces and nephews who carry his love forward.

His life was a journey of service, love, and quiet strength. His legacy is written in the lives he touched—in the laughter of grandchildren on a campsite, in the stories told on long drives, in the warmth of a family gathered, remembering.

Melvin’s life was a testament to love, service, and gentle wisdom. His spirit remains with us—in the quiet moments, in the laughter of silly calamities remembered and in the tender memories that remind us of the gift he was.

May those who loved him feel his presence in the soft places of their days—in the stillness, in the sun, in every gentle memory that rises to meet them.

We warmly invite all who knew and loved Melvin to join us in celebrating his life.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations in Mel’s name to one of his favorite charities, Shriners Children’s Hospital, St Judes Hospital, Humane Society, Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or one of your choice.

Memorial Service is scheduled for December 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Fellowship Square Grand Canyon Room, 16477 W Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85374