Racine – Mel F. Baran, age 80, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, November 7, 2012.

Mel was born in Racine on September 5, 1932 to the late Stanley and Clara (nee: Jagla) Baran. He graduated from St. Stanislaus Grade School in 1945, St. Bonaventure High School in 1949, received his Bachelors from St. Francis College in 1959 and his Masters from Fordham University in 1965.

On June 23, 1978 in Fremont, Michigan he was united in marriage to Gayle L. FitzPatrick.

Mel retired from Modine Manufacturing as a Quality Assurance Specialist in 1998. With a devoted Catholic faith, he was a proud and active member of St. Lucy's Catholic Church.  He greatly enjoyed spending his time reading, working in the yard, playing cards, fishing, watching the Packers and helping his family, friends and neighbors with whatever he could.  He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially their dog "Bunny" and cat "Snuggles".  Above all, Mel loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family….especially his grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of nearly 35 years, Gayle; their beloved daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Chris Hoehn; adored grandchildren, Ashley and Brady Hoehn; brothers, Benjamin (Mary) Baran and Stanley (Theresa) Baran and; sister-in-law, Audrey Baran; brother-in-law, John (Darlene) FitzPatrick; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mel was preceded in death by his brother, Marty Baran; and by Gayle's parents, Loren and Mary FitzPatrick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11 am in St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 3-5 pm and in the church on Monday from 10-11 am. In memory of Mel, memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church or St. Catherine's high school have been suggested by the family.