Melvin “Mel” Germanson, Jr., age 91 of River Falls, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Mel was born on August 17, 1932 in LaCrosse, WI. He graduated from Logan High School and was drafted into the Army. After returning from service, Mel received his Bachelor of Science from UW Madison. He continued his education and received his ED.S from UW Stout in Menomonie. He spent his working years at UWRF from 1959 to 1995, where he served as the clerk for the majority of those 36 years. Mel enjoyed interacting with both the students and faculty. Outside of work, he was involved in the community and served on the Park Board and the Police and Fire Commission. He was a contributing member of the Lions Club, River Falls Chamber, River Falls Golf Club, American Legion, and ST. Bridget Church. Mel was married to Loretta “Laurie” Panian. They were blessed with three sons. Mel was a devoted family man who introduced his sons to fishing, hunting, and golfing. He enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and attending sporting events, but his greatest love was his family. After retiring, Mel and his friend Jerry Carter became the original “RF grumpy old men” who collected money for the food bank each fall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin, Sr. and Dora (Kilmer) Germanson; sisters, Meladare (Earl) Jensen, Ann (Bob) Frey, Marion (Jake) Spreuer; and brother, Leland (Alice) Germanson. Mel is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Loretta “Laurie” Germanson; sons, David (Arica) Germanson, of Balsam Lake, WI, Steven (Darla) Germanson of Woodville, WI, and Thomas (Karen) Germanson of Rice Lake, WI; grandchildren, Ethan, Abby, Caleb, Luke and Blake; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Bridget Church 211 E Division Street River Falls, WI and will be live streamed via the link just below this obituary. Visitation will also be held on Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, WI. Memorials may be directed to: UWRF Foundation Judy, George and Mel Germanson Registrar Scholarship; The River Falls Food Shelf; or St. Bridget Church. Arrangements are by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch Mel’s service live on Thursday at 11am