Racine- Melvin P. Jung, 86, affectionately known to many as “Mel” or “Whitey”, passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack while golfing with friends at Johnson Park Golf Course on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
A lifetime resident, Melvin was born in Racine on May 19, 1925 to the late Henry and Abbie Jung. He proudly served our Country with the United States Army – First Cavalry during WWII. Mel was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his brave battles in New Guinea and Phillipines – especially in Leyte. This past April 16, 2011, Mel travelled aboard the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to the National WWII Memorial, in the company of his son-in-law, Mark Geisler.
On July 17, 1943 he was united in marriage with Betty Jean (nee: Breidinger) Jung, who preceded him in death on May 27, 2004. During his career, Mel was primarily employed as a Teamster truck driver with Commercial Truckers and Checker Express. He was also a certified T.V. Repairman for Novak Appliance, Vigansky Appliance and Spectrum Electronics.
Mel was longtime member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1391; Moose Lodge; Danish Brotherhood; and the Deutscher Manner Verein “German Club”. Among his interests, Mel enjoyed playing golf at Johnson Park; cards – especially Schafskopf; bowling; trying his luck at the casino; and dancing with his beloved Betty. Mel loved being in the surroundings of his entire family and was completely addicted to his grandchildren.
Surviving are his children, Sandra (Mark) Geisler, Melvin Jung, Karen (Thomas) Marinac, Beth (Joe) Meidl and Theodore (Pamela) Jung; many treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Wesley (Lois) Jung; sister, Fran (Lee) Rasmussen; sister-in-law, Eileen Curtis; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mel was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith Petersen; sisters, Abbie (Clarence) Bouwma and Victoria Jung-Fought; brothers, David Jung, Chuck Jung and Larry (Ardell) Jung; and brothers-in-law, Louis (Mabel) Breidinger, Theodore (Bunny and Red) Breidinger, and Robert Curtis.
Funeral services will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 11 am with Rev. Dr. Leland L. Longrie officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-7 pm and on Tuesday from 10-11 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the first responders of Racine Fire & Rescue and to Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints emergency room for all their compassionate care and support.
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