Melvin “Mel” Bottger

LAUREL — Melvin “Mel” Bottger died Dec. 23, 2020.

Services will be 10:30 a.m., May 29, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Laurel, followed by military rites at the Laurel Cemetery.

Mel was born in Sioux City, Iowa, Flag Day, June 14, 1941, to William and Irene (Pullen) Bottger. He lived on the family farm near Martinsburg, until the time of his mother’s death. He and his dad moved to Laurel in 1950. His father married Hattie Bose who continued to raise him until he left home after graduation from Laurel High School in 1959. Mel entered the U.S. Navy, serving four years at Lompoc, Calif., and Atsugi, Japan. In June 1965, he married Saundra Mallatt at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Laurel. Moving to California, they were blessed with two children, Ginger Ann and Troy William. Melvin continued employment in retail, serving as produce clerk and produce manager in Safeway Stores, Thriftimart, Inc, Lynn & Sons and Hy-Vee. Upon retirement from retail, he worked as an interpreter at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneers, Grand Island.

Mel enjoyed keeping his yard a showcase to his neighbors. His holiday decorations were enjoyed by all. He loved classic cars, owning several during his lifetime. His favorite past-time was attending classic car shows. In addition to cars, he loved country western music and attending polka dances.

Mel served as an EME at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He also served as part of Hospitality.

Mel is survived by his wife, Saundra; daughter, Ginger (Martin) Apprich, Papillion; son, Troy (Karen) Bottger, Westborough, Mass.; grandchildren, Matthew (Christa) McStay, Omaha and Alyssa Apprich, Papillion; brothers-in-law, L.J. Mallatt, Laurel, and William Mallatt, South Sioux City; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Kraemer, Laurel, and Vernita Bottger, Tekamah.

Preceding him in death are his parents, William, Irene, and Hattie Bottger; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Vince Schlenker; brother, J. W. “Corky” Bottger; infant niece, Jill Bottger; grandson, Tom Bottger; in-laws, Dale and Marie Mallatt, Gerald and Phyllis Mallatt, Marian Mallatt, Pat and Joan Mallatt, Marlen Kraemer and Janet Mallatt.