Melvin Duane Cardarelle

Melvin D. Cardarelle, 91, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 8, 2025. 

He was born September 14, 1933, in Clark County, WI, the son of Louis and Hada (Wren) Cardarelle. He graduated from West Bend High School while enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. 

Melvin served his country from 1951-1954, obtaining the rank of Private First Class and was active in the Korean War. 

On October 16, 1954, he was united in marriage with Lucille Wiedmeyer at Holy Angels Church in West Bend. The couple shared 67 years together before Lucy’s death on July 21, 2022. 

He was employed by the Kohler Company for over 30 years before retiring in 1996. Melvin enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, watching the Green Bay Packers, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Melvin was an active member of the Sheboygan Falls Legion Post 149. In 2014, Mel enjoyed taking the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight with his son, Joe. 

Melvin is survived by his children; Mary Jane (Jeff) Cardarelle-Hermans of Bradenton, FL, Joseph Cardarelle of Sheboygan, and Sandra (Chris) Bruggink of Hilton Head, SC; grandchildren Dawn Cardarelle, David Cardarelle, Lance Cardarelle, Jacobi (Nadine) Cardarelle, Trevor Cardarelle, Max Bruggink, Sam Bruggink, Alex Jowett, Luke Jowett, and Nick Cardarelle; great-grandchildren Camren, Janayah, Jaidah and Cayden; brother Ardel Cardarelle; sister Janel Wiesner, sisters-in-law Janette Cardarelle and Dolores (Roger) Stoffel, and other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Lucy; parents; parents-in-law Anton and Lillian (Wienke) Wiedmeyer; brothers Donald (Jeannette) Cardarelle and Dennis Cardarelle; sisters-in-law Joyce (Roger) Luecke, Eunis Cardarelle and brothers-in-law Lawrence (Carol) Wiedmeyer and Olie Wiesner. 

A graveside service with military honors will take place at 12:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Mary's Cemetery in Sheboygan Falls. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at El Rancho Viejo, 152 Pine St, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sheboygan Falls Legion Post 149. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, especially his caregiver Alison, for all the compassionate care. 

Wenig Funeral Home - Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family with arrangements.