David E. Mellem

David E. Mellem, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.

He was born on July 12, 1950, to Tillman and Cleyola (Sherry) Mellem. He was married to Roxie Scheel on September 9, 2016, at their home near Coon Valley.

Dave graduated from De Soto High School in 1969. He went on to graduate in 1971 from WWTI for auto body. He worked and eventually bought B & B Body Shop in Viroqua.  Dave sold the shop due to health reasons and became a job coach at Riverfront in La Crosse. He was eventually hired as a custodian at WWTC until he retired in 2017. He spent many years volunteering as a firefighter at the Viroqua Fire Department and as a hunter safety instructor. He was a member of the Chaseburg Rod and Gun, Viroqua Eagles, and Westby Rod and Gun. 

Dave loved boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, and really anything outside. He especially loved playing pranks on friends. He spent much of his retirement life riding around in his UTV with Roxie and the girls.

Dave is survived by his wife Roxie and the girls, Emmy and Sage;  sister Sherry (Frank) Retherford of Seattle; sister-in-law Sharon (Al) Marks; brothers-in-law Mike (Char) Radle and Keith Radle; son Tim (Joni) Mellem of Vernon County; daughter Becky (Scott) Schroeder of Vernon County; stepson Jamie (Alicia) Olson of Vernon County; grandchildren Gavin Mellem and Ashton Stafslien; step-grandchildren: Nick (Teegan), Courtney (Gregg), Rochel, Kasey, Kaylen, and Kendall;  step-great granddaughters: Gracey, Claire, Gemma, and Cecila; as well as many special nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tillman and Cleyola Mellem; Sooner, Sammy, Maggie, Ruby, and Runt (if you know, you know).

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dave’s personal chauffeur’s Steve and Kermit, La Crosse Mayo Palliative Care providers, nursing, and support staff.

In lieu of a service there will be a “Workin’ Man’s Celebration” held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Bad Axe River Country Club-Esofea Gardens from 3-8 p.m. This is to honor Dave’s wishes.  He did not want a service and always said “If you didn’t come see me when I was alive, you don’t need to come see me when I’m dead.”

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

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