Richard “Rick” Clarence Melin, 66, of Grantsburg, passed away on November 13th, 2021 in the comfort of his home with his children by his side.

Rick was born on October 25th, 1955 to Clare and Dorothy Melin in Frederic, WI.

He grew up in Trade Lake on the family farm with his seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1973. After graduation, he worked for Selander Construction and the Branstad Feed Mill. He welcomed a son in 1981 and a daughter in 1984 before making his way home to Melco Farms in 1985 when he began his career as a dairy farmer until he became too ill to continue in October of 2021.

Rick was heavily involved in the community. He served on the Grantsburg Fairboard for many years and welcomed anyone who wanted to show cattle from Melco Farms at the Burnett County Agricultural Society Fair. He played host to the Siren Ag Dairy Breakfast in 2000 and 2012. He was a member of the Burnett County Snow Trails Association since its inception in 1995 and served as the Vice President for 25 years. He was an active member of the Grantsburg Lions Club for 20 years and served terms as both Vice President and President, but mostly enjoyed serving the community by cooking brats for their brat sales and ringing bells for the Salvation Army. He entertained thousands each year by working on the Grantsburg Fireworks Crew at Watercross. He was involved with the Jolly H’s 4H Club for many years partaking in events such as the haunted house, hayrides and sliding parties. He was also known to provide hundreds of rosettes for the Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake’s smorgasbord each year.

Anyone who knew Rick knew that he was a strong, hardworking, selfless man who would drop what he was doing to help someone in need. As much as he loved farming, he loved his children and grandchildren more and you could see it in his eyes in their presence. He enjoyed bragging to anyone and everyone about his four granddaughters who love and miss their Papa deeply.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents in 2011.

He is survived by his loving children, Chris (Katie) Melin and Amanda (Mike) Weigman; granddaughters, Bryn Weigman, Alivia Melin, Brooklyn Weigman and Stella Melin; brothers, Bob (Teresa) Melin, Jim (Patty) Melin, Don Melin; sisters, Trudy (Charlie) Cowman, Kathy Bowers, Kristi (Bruce) Melin-Larson and Lauri (Jim) Nelson; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, November 26th 2021 at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg (309 State Rd 70, Grantsburg, WI 54840).

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 27th 2021 at 1:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake (11840 County Rd Z, Frederic, WI 54837).

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg.

Last Update: Nov 17, 2021 10:59 am CST