Melvin C. Brodrecht, 83, of Galena, IL, passed away Tuesday morning, August 29, 2017, at home.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A/M, on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at St. Mary's Church, in Galena, with Fr. David Vogel officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, in Galena.

Visitation will be from 2 P/M to 8 P/M, on Friday, September 1, 2017, at the Galena Bible Church, 11108 Rt. 20 W, in Galena, where members of the Galena Volunteer Fire Department will meet at 7 P/M and members of the Galena EMS will meet at 7:30 P/M. Visitation will continue from 8:45 A/M to 9:45 A/M, on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at St. Mary's Church, in Galena.

The Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, is serving the family.

Mel was born on August 16, 1934, in Galena, IL, the son of Delbert and Hilda (Wieters) Brodrecht. He was united in marriage to Mary R. Feeley on January 8, 1955, in Galena. She preceded him in death on December 29, 2003.

He was a member of St. Michael's Parish and served on the parish council, was a eucharistic minister and member of the Altar & Rosary Society. He was a charter member of the Galena EMT's, a member of the Galena Volunteer Fire Department for over (30) years, Galena Eagles Club #952, Elks Lodge #882, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #696. He was a life member of the North American Hunting Club and Pheasants Forever, Illinois State Rifle Association and the National Rifle Association. Mel was a graduate of C.T.I. of Chicago, a Deputy Coroner for Jo Daviess County for over (40) years, a Boy Scout leader for Troop #93 for (14) years, Cub Scout commiteeman and treasurer for (14) years. He was named EMS person of the year in 2000, received a Meritorius Award from the Governor of Illinois in 2002 for over (70) years of combined service to the Galena Fire and EMS Service. In 2007, Mel was voted Eagle of the year by the Galena Eagles Club, and citizen of the year by the Rotary Club of Galena in 2012.

He was employed by Rentech Nitrogen (formerly Phoenix Chemical) until his retirement and was a member of U.A.W. Local #1391. Mel was an associate of the Nash, Schmadeke, Steinke, and Kitchen, Miller & Steinke Funeral Homes from approximately 1954-2016.

Surviving are three (3) sons, Mark, of Winslow, IL, Marty, of Hawaii, and Matt, of Galena; five (5) grandchildren, Mike, Kirk, Nathan and Mercedes Brodrecht, and Dan Groves; two (2) great-grandchildren; two (2) brothers, Gene (Sandra) Brodrecht, of Marion, IA, and LeRoy (Marion) Cook, of Freeport, IL; Brothers and Sisters-in-laws, James (Joan) Benson, of Galena, IL, Robert (Carol) Metzger, of Longwood, FL, and Mark (Ann) Oldenburg, of Rochester, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert & Hilda; wife, Mary; his son, Michael, on May 27, 1975; also his father-in-law, Joseph Feeley; and mother-in-law, Irene (Muchow) Feeley.

Mel's family wishes to "thank" the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care provided for their father and grandfather.

Mel's family wishes to "thank" THE GALENA BIBLE CHURCH for the use of their building for the family and the Galena Community!

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com