Melvin “Mel” Germanson, Jr., age 91 of River Falls, Wis., died on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Mel was born on Aug. 17, 1932 in La Crosse, Wis. He graduated from Logan High School and was drafted in the Army. After returning from service, Mel received his Bachelor of Science from UW-Madison. He continued his education earning his ED.S from UW-Stout in Menomonie. He spent his employment years from 1959–1995 at UWRF working as registrar for most of those 36 years. Mel loved dealing with both the students and the faculty. Apart from employment he was involved in the community serving 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 introducing his sons to fishing, hunting and golf. He enjoyed traveling, playing Bridge and attending sporting events, but his primary love was his family. Following his retirement Mel and his friend Jerry Carter became the original “RF grumpy old men” collecting money each fall for the food shelf.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin, Sr. and Dora (Kilmer) Germanson; sisters, Meladore (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, Wis., Steven (Darla) Germanson of Woodville, Wis., and Thomas (Karen) Germanson of Rice Lake, Wis.; grandchildren, Ethan, Abby, Caleb, Luke and Blake; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, Aug 1, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget Church (211 E. Division St., River Falls, WI.) Visitation was on Thursday from 9-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, Wis. 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 with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
