Melvin Frank "Mel" Lilla

Melvin F. Lilla, 85, of Mosinee, died peacefully on, Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.

He was born May 12, 1936, in Winona, MN, to the late Frank and Emmaline (Pellowski) Lilla.

Melvin graduated from Cotter High School in 1954, he attended St. Mary’s University in Winona. He then moved to Milwaukee, WI where he worked for Allen-Bradley Co. for 10 years. He attended West Allis Technical School. Then received a diploma from United School of Electronics.

On October 3, 1959, he married Mildred Kyhos at St. Paul Catholic Church in Mosinee. They moved to Mosinee in 1966 and was employed at Wisconsin Public Service, Weston Plant for thirty years, retiring in 1997. Mel then volunteered at Aspirus Hospital Installing Lifelines for 13 years. He was also a blood donor at Marathon County Blood Bank for Years. Melvin was also a Little League Coach, as well as a Numismatics (Coin Collector).

In 1962 Mel was called to Active Duty, with the Army National Guard, the 32nd Division during The Berlin Crisis.

Mel was an usher for Many years at St. Paul Catholic Church in Mosinee. He worked at Maple Ridge Farms in Mosinee, Part Time as a seasonal worker for twenty years. He was an ardent golfer and a member at Indianhead Gold Course. He had a hole in one in 1997 on #13. He was a Packer, Brewers and Nascar fan.

Besides his wife Mildred, he is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Doug) Deiler; a brother Richard (Carol) Lilla; a sister Nancy (Don) Wille; grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Deiler, Stacy Deiler, Shelly Deiler, and Logan Lilla; great grandchildren, Nathan, Samuel, Grayson, Jonah, Levi and Ava. Besides his parents, Mel was preceded in death by his son, Scott Lilla; brothers, Herold and David Lilla; sisters, Bernell, and infant sister Mary.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. Rev. Donald Meuret will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.