Melvin R. "Mel" Koeller, 74, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 1:30 P/M, Sunday, April 6, 2014, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, following a sudden illness, surrounded by his family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Friday, April 11, 2014, at St. Mary's Church, East Dubuque, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 P/M to 8 P/M, on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at the Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, IL.

Mel was born on December 9, 1939, in Potosi, WI, the son of Raymond and Dorothy (Lenstra) Koeller.  He was united in marriage to Donna Vanderah, on October 14, 1961, at St. Mary's Church, East Dubuque.  He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, Class of 1959.

Mel was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company for 42 years.  He was a former member of Local #150-A of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union.  Mel loved sports, woodworking, yardword, and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.  He was co-owner of Koeller Apartments in Dickeyville, WI.

Surviving are his wife, Donna; four sons, Mark (Shelley) Koeller, of East Dubuque, IL, Steve (Amy) Koeller and Jason (Kim) Koeller, both of Kieler, WI, and Jeff Koeller, of Hazel Green, WI; ten (10) grandchildren, Tiffany (Nick) Heitkamp, Justin (special friend, Torie Lee-Moes), Lindsey, Alyssa, Ryan, Cassie, Cody, Cameron, Ella and Brie; one (1) great-granddaughter, Ava Rae; his mother, Dorothy Koeller, of East Dubuque, IL; four sisters, Shirley Peacock, of Dubuque, IA, Betty Craig and Debbie (Dan) Spahn, both of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Geraldine (Jerry) Roth, of East Dubuque, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Koeller.

Donna and family wish to express their appreciation to the East Dubuque Volunteer Department for their quick response and assistance, and to their family and friends for their support.

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